This position is located in the Therapy Section of Rehab & Extended Care Service at the Hudson Valley VA Medical Center. The PTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist, but must be able to carry out a general treatment plan without the direct involvement of a Physical Therapist. The incumbent may be assigned duties at either Castle Point or Montrose campuses, as well as any one of the 7 community-based clinics (CBOCs).
BASIC REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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. Grade Determinations: Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
Duties include, but not limited to: A. Patient Care Management 1. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the Physical Therapist or physician. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist. Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants to accommodate requests. 2. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to the Physical Therapist, to be used in assessing patient's status. Assists with or 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 a Physical Therapist or physician. 3. Assists Physical Therapists 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. 4. Assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedures. Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage. Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise. Fits, adjusts, and instructs patients in the use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities and daily living and improve functional activities. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. 5. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Modifies intervention environment, tools, materials, and activities in response to each patient'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 patient's needs. Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the patient. 6. Assists the physical therapy staff in research projects, in-service training, public relations programs, and quality assurance/performance improvement initiatives. 7. Prepares and presents written and oral reports for physicians, physiatrists, nursing staff, fellow therapists, and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, report on patient's goals and progress, and to assist in planning patient's treatment program. 8. The PTA independently documents all patient care rendered and initiates consults for appropriate patient care equipment inherent to the physical therapy scope of practice. 9. Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety check, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers, and self. Reports to Therapy Supervisor the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment. B. Human Resources Management: 1. Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs. Assists with the supervision and training of Physical Therapist Assistant Students, volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners. 2. Participates in training of new physical therapy staff. 3. Continually participates in various committees in the hospital to give input from the rehab perspective. 4. Participates in continuing education and in-service training to further professional development. 5. Completes the annual training/education required by the facility as mandatory. 6. Completes required continuing education to maintain current and valid licensure. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-4:30p Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 12492F