Physical Therapy Assistant

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA•Fort Jackson, SC

21d

About The Position

This is an open continuous Direct Hire Solicitation. Multiple vacancies may be filled at locations listed in the announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and qualified applicants will be considered as vacancies become available. Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, and salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service. The Physical Therapy Assistant documents patient care in accordance with American Physical Therapy Association and Joint Commission guidelines, current protocols, and supervisor direction. The position initiates, implements, plans, and recommends progressive patient treatment plans; tracks the short- and long-term effects of therapy procedures and the appropriateness of specific therapies; and instructs patients, family members, and other health workers in selected treatment procedures and functional training activities. The role also performs complex Physical Therapist Assistant duties requiring knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine, and data collection for evaluations and treatments. The position requires a current, active, valid, and unrestricted state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Applicants must qualify through specialized experience, graduate-level education, or a combination of education and experience. The role requires Basic Life Support certification and is subject to background investigation, drug screening and testing, immunization requirements, tuberculosis testing, and pre-employment and annual physical examinations. It involves shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations, and is designated Mission Essential.

Requirements

Hold a current, active, valid, and unrestricted license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory.
Meet the qualification requirements through one of the following: one year of specialized experience; one full year of graduate-level education directly related to the work; or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
Specialized experience must include assisting with Physical Therapist-led evaluations and specified interventions; helping implement and progress treatment plans while monitoring and adjusting for patient response; and applying standardized and specialized modalities, including therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and massage.
Obtain and maintain Basic Life Support certification from or in accordance with the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Complete a suitability or fitness determination and required background investigation; this role has initial and periodic re-verification requirements due to recurring interaction with children and youth under 18.
Submit to pre-employment urinalysis and pre-employment screening; the position is subject to random drug testing, including testing based on reasonable suspicion or involvement in an on-duty accident.
Meet mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirements unless medically or religiously exempt, with documentation of exemption provided upon hire; immunization screening is required, and Hepatitis B immunization is required for direct patient contact.
Complete tuberculosis testing and a pre-employment physical examination, followed by annual examinations to ensure the required physical health and fitness for duty.
Be able to lift up to 45 pounds, as required.
Work rotating shifts that provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or in special situations; report to or remain at work as scheduled during certain emergencies.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Complete a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
Use direct deposit for pay.
If using foreign education to qualify, provide an evaluation showing equivalency to accredited U.S. education or evidence that the courses received full credit at an accredited U.S. college or university.

Responsibilities

Document patient care in accordance with American Physical Therapy Association and Joint Commission guidelines, current protocols, and supervisor direction.
Initiate, implement, plan, and recommend progressive patient treatment plans.
Track the short- and long-term effects of therapy procedures on patients and assess the appropriateness of specific therapies.
Instruct patients, family members, and other health workers in selected treatment procedures and functional training activities.
Perform complex Physical Therapist Assistant duties requiring knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine, and data collection for evaluations and treatments.
Report to or remain at work as scheduled during severe weather or other emergency situations to support mission operations.