Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Videos

VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Position is located in the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) in the Ann Arbor VA Health System. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. The PTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within the medical center including various clinical, administrative and patient care areas.

This position will provide care to our Veterans in the Acute Care hospital and in our short stay rehabilitation center.

Functions

Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the Physical Therapist. Plans and implements basic treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the supervision of a physical therapist. Consults with the licensed Physical Therapist regarding complex or special problem cases.

Independently develops therapeutic exercise regimen for physical therapy patients based on the assigning Physical Therapists evaluation and goals. Modifies exercises based on patient's response.

Completes a review of patient data (including medical history). Assists in and renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs. This is done in consultation with the physical therapist.

Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment.

Assists in the performance of, or independently performs treatment procedures. Utilizes the full range of modalities including, but not limited to, heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage. Administers complex therapeutic exercise. Fits, adjusts and instructs patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments.

Varies procedures or positions to adjust for veterans' medical conditions. Modifies intervention environment, tools, materials and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment. With prior approval of the therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veterans' needs. Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran.

Prepares written and oral reports for the physical therapists and other professionals concerned with the patient's care. Completes all required computerized computer documentation.

Maintains a clean and 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. Writes work orders and reports to Chief Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment. Follows infection control and all other safety procedures.

Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs.

Assists with the clinical education of student physical therapist assistants, and the supervision and training of volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners.

Attends all regularly scheduled department meetings. Presents inservice program or journal club information as may be required.

Performs other related duties, or responsibilities as assigned to support the overall mission of the Physical Therapy department or the Medical Center.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 92719-A (GS-8), 92720-A (GS-7), 92721-A (GS-6), 92721-A(GS-5)
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.
• 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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:
  • (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.

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.]

Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-6

(1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade.

(2) 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. 5
(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

(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
(2) 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

(1) Experience. [One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
(2) 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.

Preferred Experience: Acute care setting, complex patients, inpatients

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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: This position frequently requires moderate to heavy lifting. Normally such lifting will involve, but not be limited to assisting with transfers or gait training of the client in the physical therapy clinic. Part of this position will involve sedentary work involving computers and communications.

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.