Physical Therapy Assistant

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Augusta, GA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Defense Health Agency in the Department of Surgery Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic service at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC), Fort Gordon, Georgia. The Physical Therapy Assistant serves a designated work area within the Medical Treatment Facility and associated branch clinics. Under a Physical Therapist, the assistant performs complex duties requiring advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based practice, and data collection. The position plans and administers physical therapy programs for wounded, ill, and injured patients and other beneficiaries, and supports patients’ recovery, pain relief, and functional independence. The position is designated Mission Essential.

Requirements

• Meet one of the qualification pathways: one year of specialized experience implementing physical therapy treatment plans and instructing on physical therapy programs or providing status reports; one full year of graduate-level education in a directly related field; or a qualifying combination of experience and education.
• Hold a current, active, valid, unrestricted state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association or American Red Cross; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Meet suitability or fitness requirements, including a background investigation and periodic re-verification due to recurring interaction with children and youth under age 18.
• Meet mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirements unless exempted for medical or religious reasons, with documentation of exemption provided upon hire.
• Complete required immunization screening; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact, and other immunizations may be required depending on the position.
• Complete tuberculosis testing.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter to ensure continued ability and fitness to perform the duties.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• If applicable, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Nice To Haves

• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

• Perform specific aspects of physical therapy evaluations and interventions, as directed, using physical therapy knowledge, evidence-based practice, and data collection.
• Plan, coordinate, and administer physical therapy programs for wounded, ill, and injured patients and other beneficiaries.
• Implement progressive treatment plans and recommend modifications to restore and maintain range of motion, strength, endurance, and coordination, while promoting healing, pain relief, and functional independence.
• Develop and implement progressive treatment plans under a Physical Therapist, taking account of patients’ neurological, surgical, sensory, respiratory, and cardiac status; comorbidities; gait; posture; age; and overall health.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to recommend rehabilitation and reintegration needs.
• Complete data collection for workload management, analysis, and research studies, and prepare statistical reports.
• Study current literature and conduct required research to learn new techniques and improve proficiency with modalities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level