Physical Therapy Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • Fresno, CA

27d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is aligned under the Physical Therapy section of the Fresno VA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS). The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides treatment to promote 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 and conducts educational programs to support patients in rehabilitation and other facility programs. Duties are performed in clinical, administrative, and patient-care areas associated with PM&RS. The role works under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist and may require consultation or prior approval for treatment-plan development and adaptations. The work schedule is intermittent; telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For the GS-08 grade: one year of experience equivalent to GS-07.
• Ability to independently implement treatment plans using techniques appropriate to a patient's disability and needs.
• Ability to independently provide varied physical therapy interventions based on an established care plan, such as therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, and functional training.
• Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques to perform interventions and monitor and document patient progress.
• Ability to instruct patients in varied interventions and provide materials that support adherence to home programs.
• Ability to modify treatment techniques in response to patients’ learning needs and perceptions.
• Ability to identify critical changes in patient condition, including vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness, to determine medical and functional status.
• Ability to work with Physical Therapists and interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information and plan, modify, coordinate, and discharge treatment programs.
• Applicants without state licensure may be appointed as graduate PTAs on an intermittent temporary appointment, subject to the stated statutory conditions and a maximum period of two years; they must provide care under direct supervision and may not be promoted or converted before obtaining licensure.
• Successful completion of a background/security investigation and the online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Completion of required application documents and pre-employment requirements, including acceptable identification.
• Service of a two-year trial period, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Physical capacity for the stated demands, including heavy lifting and the listed mobility, vision, hearing, coordination, and mental and emotional stability requirements.

Nice To Haves

• One year of direct patient-care experience, preferably in inpatient or short-term rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Clean and reprocess reusable medical equipment in compliance with VHA directives and standard operating procedures.
• Receive and interpret procedure requests or instructions from a Physical Therapist.
• Plan and implement specialized treatment programs and apply physical therapy procedures under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist.
• Review and examine patient data, including medical history; organize relevant information and present a patient profile for assessment.
• Assist with or provide treatment based on assessed patient needs, including developing progressive physical therapy treatment programs in consultation with a Physical Therapist.
• Assist the therapist in developing comprehensive specialized treatment plans with long- and short-term goals.
• Encourage and motivate veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with treatment regimens and post-discharge activities.
• Discuss treatment goals with patients and families.
• Assist with or independently perform specialized and diversified treatment procedures, using the full range of modalities.
• Administer non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise.
• Fit, adjust, and instruct patients in the use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility devices.
• Instruct, motivate, and assist patients in activities of daily living and improving functional activities.
• Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies needed for treatments.
• Adjust procedures or positioning to accommodate veterans’ medical conditions and modify the treatment environment, tools, materials, and activities in response to treatment outcomes.
• With prior Physical Therapist approval, adapt technical procedures and approaches for new or unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet individual veteran needs.
• Modify or adapt specialized treatment approaches within the established treatment plan to reflect changing veteran needs.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Selected applicants may qualify to receive credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed