The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.

Duties

This Certified Physical Therapy Assistant position is part of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) team at the Robert J. Dole VAMC in Wichita, Kansas. Primary function is direct patient care with duties and responsibilities carried out throughout the medical center including the full spectrum of acute care, sub-acute care, and outpatient clinics. The Certified Physical Therapy Assistant administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on treatment plans and goals formulated by a Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) under the general direction of the LPT. Duties include but are not limited to: Reviews physical therapy documentation and medical records. Appropriately identifies pertinent information including indications, contraindications, precautions, safety considerations, and expected outcomes. Interprets the plan of care and patient goals matching them to selected interventions based on basic biological and medical sciences and incorporating contemporary physical therapy evidenced based practice. Independently implements the selected interventions. Determines outcomes of the interventions, appropriately progressing and modifying the interventions as indicated within the scope of the plan of care. Applies principles of teaching/learning using a variety of teaching strategies while independently providing patient education to patient and/or their caregivers. Provides clear instructions and utilizes methods to enhance learning and compliance (handouts, reporting forms). Accurately assesses patient's responses and understanding of the instructions. Recognizes changes in patient's physical, mental, and/or medical status. Effectively communicates with the supervising physical therapist when there are significant changes in the patient's medical status, physician referral, or when the criticality and complexity of the patient is beyond the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the CPTA. Maintains accurate, reproducible, safe, valid, and timely documentation of data to measure the patient's medical status, response to interventions, and education provided to the patients and/or their caregivers. Provides in-service to staff on various topics relating to patient care or safety factors. Attends scheduled in-service education as provided in-house or off-station. Assists in instructing new staff in physical therapy subject matter, techniques, and unit procedures. This employee is responsible for participating in patient care audits and ongoing performance improvement activities and assisting in compliance with Joint Commission and other accrediting standards. Provides complete, accurate and timely documentation of all patient treatment. Completes work assignments according to medical center guidelines. Applies appropriate methods and techniques in solving problems related to physical therapy. Reports status and progress of work and makes adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities. May use the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to schedule outpatient services, including clinic visits, consultation, Primary Care Management Module (PCMM) assignments and entries into the Electronic Wait List (EWL). Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Varying 8 hour shifts anytime between 7am and 7pm with the inclusion of weekends and occasional holidays. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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. Licensure: Possess a 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. English Language Proficiency: PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements listed below 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. ***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: GS-08 To qualify for the GS-8 Physical Therapy Assistant position, you must have: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the basic requirements, 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. *You must address the KSA's in your resume to be found qualified* Preferred Experience: References: VA Handbook 5005/139 PART II APPENDIX G23 Physical Therapy Assistant Standards The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs or over); Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, 4 hour standing, ability for rapid mental & muscular coordinator simultaneously; working around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water; working closely with others.

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 Robert J Dole VA Medical and Regional Office Center 5500 East Kellogg Drive Wichita, KS 67218 US
• Name: Eduardo Alva
• Phone: 316-469-0922
• Email: [email protected]