This position is located in the Physical Therapy Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&R) at the Myrtle Beach CBOC of the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The incumbent may be required to work in community pools designated for aquatic therapy, community based events, or adaptive sports and carries a full patient caseload and is responsible for maintaining appropriate patient records in accordance with PMR, VA and Joint Commission policies and standards.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities of the Physical Therapist Assistant include but not limited to the following: Receive and interpret requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapists or physician. Plans and implements therapy for patients under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist. Completes a chart review and obtain a subjective history. Administers therapy to patients incorporating accepted modalities and treatment standards per the American Physical Therapy Association (PTA) under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist. Demonstrates familiarity and basic competencies in all clinical modalities, exercise and functional activities to enhance patient independence. Communicates with treating physical therapist to allow for development and modification of treatment plans. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plan and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family goals for treatment under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist. Fits, adjusts, and instructs patients in the use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities. Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the physical therapist and fellow healthcare professionals concerned with the patient's care as needed. Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, reports on patient's goals and progress and to assist in planning patient's treatment program. Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers, and self. Reports to Supervisory Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment. Maintain a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs, clinical in-services, and on-line training. Work Schedule: 7:30am -4:00pm, Monday - Friday or 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50369 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: A. Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. OR B. Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. OR C. Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs. Licensure: Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. English Language Proficiency: Be proficient in spoken and written English May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: One year experience comparable to the next lower grade (GS-7). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.). Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client. Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. Preferred Experience: One year of experience References: VA Handbook 5005/139 PART II APPENDIX G23 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-8. Physical Requirements: The work involves regular and reoccurring physical exertion with various periods of sitting, standing, bending, walking, squatting/stooping, twisting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching overhead. Fine manipulation, including keyboarding is required for up to 2 to 3 hours per day. Requirements for lifting will generally be up to 25 pounds with occasions of 25-50 pounds required particularly in transferring of patients. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: Todd Bellamy
• Phone: 704-638-9000 X16469
• Email: [email protected]