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Duties include but are not limited to:

• Clinic Treatment
  • PTA is assigned a varied caseload of patients from medical, surgical, orthopedic, PM&R, neurology, NHCU, psychiatry, ICU, ED, Polytrauma, Amputees, outpatients and employees. PTA demonstrates an ability to assess patient's medical condition through chart review.
  • Can work effectively in any of our Specialty Centers (ICU, Spinal Cord Injury and Disease, Polytrauma, and Cardiothoracic care) with complex cases. Works with clients with cognitive disorders such as confusion, poor motor coordination, memory deficits, identity confusion and poor judgement.
  • Administers a wide variety of evidence-based physical therapy procedures through the use of exercise programs, mechanical traction therapeutic massage, heat, cold, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and electricity.
  • Independently provides 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).
  • Can measure, adjust and instruct in care and use of crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
  • Instructs and assists patients in improving pulmonary function and in learning and improving functional activities - gait training, transfers, daily living activities - and in the use of and care of prostheses and orthoses.
  • Performs, without interpretation, selected measurement procedures such as range of joint motion, gross strength of muscles groups, length and girth of body parts.
  • Can modify patient's treatment program in collaboration with and under the direction of Physical Therapist within the limits specified in the care plan outlined by the Physical Therapist. Any need to deviate from the Plan of Care is immediately communicated with the Physical Therapist of record and any changes directed by Physical Therapist. Has knowledge and understanding of adverse reactions to treatment. Monitors vital signs and observes patients during treatment, and compiles and evaluates data on patient's progress and response. PTA reports orally or in writing to physical therapist.
  • Maintains attendance records on assigned patients. Assists with maintaining department by performing various tasks, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, compiling statistics and computer data entry for patient scheduling.
  • May assist in the management of and/or responsibility for a specialty program.
  • May assist in leading a group of employees and communicates information regarding work assignments and scheduling.
  • Can instruct students and manage affiliate PTA students under the direction of the Physical Therapy Center Continuing Education Coordinator and assigned Licensed PT.
• Ward Treatment
  • The physical therapist assistant assigned at the Richmond CVVHS is assigned a varied caseload. He/she assists the therapist in the treatment of often critically ill patients.
  • Has the proper skills and knowledge to recognize special precautions for mobilizing patients that have been bedridden for prolonged periods of time.
  • Assists in monitoring the patient's vital signs (HR, BP, RR) and assists to restore abnormal alterations to normal parameters in accordance with established procedures/protocols/practices.
  • Documents changes orally and written in progress notes.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.

Qualifications

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: For this position you must meet at least one of the educational requirements below.

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,

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,

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.

Grade Determination:

GS-08: In addition to meeting the basic requirements for appointment, candidate must have at least one (1) year of physical therapy assistant experience comparable to the GS-07 grade level in Federal Service. Creditable experience includes but not limited to: Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and receive general direction by the treating Physical Therapist (PT). PTAs draw upon a broad base of practical and experiential knowledge in order to assist the PT in reaching pre-determined patient goals. PTAs work independently but still under the general direction of PTs. They observe patients' ability to perform specified tasks in order to provide ongoing assessment of information on patients' physical and functional status. PTAs work with the physical therapy staff to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. They provide clinical direction for PTA students.

And

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, the Candidates must also demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below:

(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 GS-0636.

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of experience in an acute care setting treating patients post orthopedic & cardiac surgeries, amputations, and general debilitation.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.