Clarification from the agency

Open to Current Permanent Employees of the Tampa VAHCS (Facility Only).

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This is the full performance level for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). This position is located in the Physical Therapy (PT) department of the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and satellite PT Outpatient Clinics. The incumbent serves as an active team member in a comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation program, acute care, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury/polytrauma, Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program (CPRP), Therapeutic Pool, PACT PT Clinic, or Out-patient Physical Therapy Clinic.


FUNCTIONS:

• This PT A receives and interprets instructions for procedures from the physical therapist. He/she plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Employee may assign or oversee the work of lower graded assistants to accommodate requests.

• This PT A may complete specified aspects of patient examination as requested by the physical therapist, compiles and organizes pertinent information, to be used in assessing patient's status. He/she assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive physical therapy treatment programs. This is done in consultation with a physical therapist.

• This PT A assists the physical therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long and short term goals. Incumbent demonstrates advanced knowledge of physical therapy data collection and ongoing assessment techniques in
  order to perform specified aspects of patient interventions.

• This PTA assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedures. He/she utilizes the full range of modalities including, but not limited to: heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage. Incumbent
  administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic procedures. This PTA fits adjusts and instructs patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. He/she instructs motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and
  improve functional activities. The PTA prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments.

• This PTA may independently operate specialty equipment such as the Bio-Dex, Erigo, or Neuro-Com to perform testing or therapeutic treatment regimens per plan of the treating Physical Therapist. Test interpretation and assessment will be provided by the treating Physical Therapist who will adjust the treatment plan as needed and communicate this to the PTA who may inform the patient.

• This PTA motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. He/she interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment.

• This PTA prepares and presents written and oral reports for fellow therapists and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. He/she participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, report on patient's progress, and to assist in planning patient's treatment program and goals.

• This PTA may function in a clinical setting independently with only on-site supervision of a Physical Therapist or tele-communication provided by off-site PT.

• Incumbent may provide independent patient education to patients and their caregivers and select and train patients and caregivers in appropriate gait assistive devices, non -specialty wheelchairs and lifts.

• This PTA maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Incumbent develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers and self. This PTA reports to Supervisory Physical Therapist, or designee, the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment

• This PTA maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs. Specialized training is required for participation in some programs such as aquatic program.

• This PTA serves as Clinical Instructor for PTA students and may assist with the supervision and training of volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners.

Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:71242-F, 70162-F, 70164-F , 71244-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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 trial 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 examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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.
• English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Education. Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements 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.]

• 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.
(a) 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).
(b) Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
(c) Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained.
(d) Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

Grandfathering Provision. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation.
All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series [or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard] on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the [ ] grade held, including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

(1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher-grade levels.
(3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of this standard.
(4) Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
(5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

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:
Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-05
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. This is the entry level developmental position. PTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require general clinical [direction] by the treating physical therapist. The [treating] physical therapist is available on a regularly scheduled basis to review the practice of the PTAs and support the PTAs in the performance of their services. PTAs perform preliminary chart review including medical history and contraindications for treatment. They treat patients through basic exercise, massage, gait and balance training and other therapeutic interventions. PTAs recommend changes in treatment based on changes in physical, mental and/or medical status of the patient. PTAs instruct, motivate and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities.

Physical Therapy Assistant , GS-6
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade.
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 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:
(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 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:
(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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Area of Consideration-
Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.

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.