Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current permanent Birmingham VA employees only.

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The Physical Therapy Assistant implements the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. They provide evidenced based skilled interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, therapeutic modalities, gait training, transfer training, manual treatment, neuromuscular re-education, self-care and management training, patient/caregiver's education and group therapy.

The duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform an in-depth chart review including medical history, contraindications for treatment.
• Obtains appropriate subjective history and demonstrates ability to interpret information gained through subjective history.
• Will have knowledge of evidence based, contemporary physical therapy practice.
• They treat patients through exercise, massage, modalities, gait, and balance training and other therapeutic interventions.
• Identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.
• 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.
• Independently uses objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases.
• 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.
• Implements a physical therapy treatment program for assigned patients who may range in age from young adult through older adult.
• Demonstrates knowledge of treatment techniques needed to assess changes in physical, mental and or medical status of the patient.
• Accurately interprets information that is gained through performing chart review and obtaining a subjective history of patients assigned.
• Reviews the medical record and the established physical therapy treatment plan of care for each assigned patient prior to providing physical therapy treatment.
• Utilizing a predetermined standardized format, may screen patients designated by PT as possible candidates for physical therapy services.
• Provides physical therapy services as specified in the physical therapy plan of care.
• Appropriately provides modalities, as specified in the physical therapy plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and maintains a professional relationship with patients and their families and visitors.
• Practices appropriate infection control measures.
• Respects and protects patient privacy.
• Implements, in a timely manner, treatment programs to meet established goals, taking into consideration the particular rehabilitation problems of each patient.
• Completes patient encounters and documentation accurately for each visit, timely and in the approved format.
• Submits any special reports on patients, data for recurring and non-recurring PMRS reports, as requested.
• Appropriately and effectively serves on section, program and/or service line committees, training or projects as requested.
• Assists with maintaining adequate supplies, materials and equipment for anticipated treatment needs.
• Maintains clinic area in a manner congruent with infection control and safety policies, guidelines, and recommendations.
• Reports all safety hazards and faulty equipment to Rehab Coordinator or Service Line Administrative Officer.
• Participate in Performance Improvement programs as requested by the section or Service Line.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 50420A
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
• 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: (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: GS-8One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-7 AND 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.

Preferred Experience: Greater than one year of specialized experience.

References: VA Handbook 5005/139 January 28, 2021 PART II APPENDIX G23

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Straight pulling (<1 hour); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (3 hours); Kneeling (<1 hour); Repeated bending (<1 hour); Climbing, legs only (<1 hour); Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental & emotional stability.

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.