This position is organizationally located at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rehabilitation Services Division, and Outpatient Therapy Section.

Duties

Independently implements and coordinates the physical therapy plan of care as established by the physical therapist. Modifies treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plan, to reflect patients' changing needs. Performs objective tests and measures to document patient progress. Under the general direction of a PT, the PTA completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history) to issue, educate, and train patients in the use of durable medical equipment. Maintains records and progress notes on all patients treated. Follows Rehabilitation Services documentation guidelines and timelines for therapist reassessment of patient. Communicates patient's progress towards goals and changes in patient's status to primary physical therapist. Responsible for organizing and conducting therapeutic exercise group activities for outpatient therapy program including gym based and aquatic based groups as assigned. Updates knowledge of contemporary practice in physical therapy through continuing education courses, journal article reviews, and in-service training. Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based practice. Assists in providing patient coverage for absent staff members to ensure continuity and quality of care. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 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: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for appointment as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). United States Citizenship - Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency Requirement - Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education - (1) 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 (2) [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 (3) 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. Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant - Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess state licensure, may be appointed, pending licensure, as a graduate PTA on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Physical Therapy Assistant GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements Physical Therapy Assistant GS-6 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice. (b) [Ability to perform] physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care. (c) [Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients' changing needs. (d) Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas.] Physical Therapy Assistant GS-7 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans. (b) Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases. (c) Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice. (d) Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan.] Physical Therapy Assistant GS-8 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. (b) 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.). (c) 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. (d) Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. (e) Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. (f) Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. (g) 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/139, Part II, Appendix G23, Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard 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-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center 5000 West National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295 US
• Name: Kiara Braggs
• Phone: 2058262201
• Email: [email protected]