Physical Therapy Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • Boise, ID

24d • Onsite

About The Position

This GS-8 Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a full-performance-level position serving patients with low- to high-complexity needs. The PTA draws on broad practical knowledge and clinical skills to help patients reach predetermined goals. The role independently implements and modifies treatment within established plans of care, continually reassesses patients, and uses objective measures and clinical outcome data. The PTA collaborates with physical therapists (PTs) and other staff, and receives PT guidance for the most complex cases or treatments.

The position treats patients with a wide range of diagnoses, including COPD, amputation, CVA, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, pneumonia, fractures, joint replacements, cardiac disease, CHF, dementia, cancer, falls, visual or hearing impairment, wounds, pain, and behavioral health diagnoses. The PTA also educates patients, including those with complex learning barriers, and may perform clinic maintenance, supply monitoring, inventory, clerical, and scheduling duties. The role includes clinical direction of PTA students and completion of required training and competencies.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Associate degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy assistant education program, or qualifying foreign or military PTA education and successful completion of the NPTE for PTAs.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted PTA license in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Ability to independently implement treatment plans using techniques appropriate to patients’ disabilities and needs.
• Ability to independently provide varied, multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on an established care plan.
• Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques to perform interventions and monitor and capture patient progress.
• Ability to instruct patients in interventions and provide materials that support adherence to home programs.
• Ability to modify treatment techniques based on patients’ learning needs and perceptions.
• Ability to identify critical changes in vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness to determine patients’ medical and functional status.
• Ability to work with PTs and interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information and plan, modify, and coordinate treatment programs and discharge planning.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Compliance with applicable background and security investigation requirements, onboarding requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements for VA healthcare personnel.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Ability to complete all application requirements listed in the announcement’s Required Documents section.

Responsibilities

• Independently access, review, and prioritize the daily caseload and plan for direct and indirect patient-care needs.
• Review patient charts and assess whether care is appropriate based on medical status, pain, mobility, and physical and psychosocial factors; coordinate holds, rescheduling, or rearrangement of care with the PT as needed.
• Independently implement established treatment plans and provide interventions tailored to patients’ disabilities and needs.
• Provide basic and advanced interventions, including therapeutic exercise, balance training, body mechanics, therapeutic neuroscience education, manual therapy, flexibility and strength training, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, and functional training.
• Continually reassess patients and administer clinical outcome measures to monitor progress.
• Modify techniques and advance programs within the established plan of care to help patients reach predetermined goals.
• Collaborate with PTs and other staff regarding patient status and progress and recommend treatment-plan changes, including discharge.
• Obtain clinical guidance from a PT for the most complex patient cases or treatments.
• Reduce or discontinue intervention in response to non-urgent adverse reactions and independently modify treatment based on patient tolerance.
• Motivate patients to complete interventions and increase independence.
• Educate patients with complex learning barriers using methods such as demonstration, verbal and written instructions, and reverse demonstration; assess educational effectiveness and adapt methods as directed.
• Follow Standard Precautions and infection-control principles, including precautions appropriate to each patient’s infectious status.
• As assigned, maintain the clinic by restocking linens and supplies, cleaning treatment areas, updating maintenance checklists, and ensuring equipment is clean and ready for use.
• As needed, monitor clinic supplies, check for expired products, store flammable products appropriately, and maintain material safety data sheets as directed.
• Conduct annual equipment inventory as directed, including barcode scanning, updating the hardcopy equipment inventory list, and reporting missing items.
• Perform clerical and scheduling duties as assigned.
• Keep current with departmental information by checking email and attending meetings and in-services.
• Complete mandatory training and competencies to support professional growth and development.
• Collect and report functional outcomes at admission, discharge, and necessary intervals; document scores and submit them for database entry.
• Provide clinical direction for PTA students.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree