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: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
• Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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 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 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: Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice
• Ability to perform physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care
• Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients' changing needs
• 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: Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans
• Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases
• Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice
• Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan
• Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8. Experience
• One (1) 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: 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: Acute Care/Outpatient Orthopedic experience
• 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-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated
• However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.