NYS SOciety of ORTHOPAEDIC Surgeons

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) position is located within the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service of the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) located in Portland, OR. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship - Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education - Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements (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. English Language Proficiency - Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations GS-5 (Entry Level) Requirements: None beyond the basic requirements GS-6 (Development Level 1) Requirements: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. 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. GS-7 (Development Level 2) Requirements: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. 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. GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Requirements: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. 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. References: VHA 5005, Appendix G23, Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Preferred Experience: Preferred candidate will have experience as a PTA assistant in the acute care setting. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Straight pulling (<1 hour); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (3 hours); Kneeling (<1 hour); Repeated bending (<1 hour); Climbing, legs only (<1 hour); Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental & emotional stability. Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone. ["This position is specific to the Whole Health Program. The program's role is to provide services and education staff and Veterans on integrative health and wellness principles. The incumbent will serve in the capacity as an active movement specialist - working with the VA and community providers to expand and enhance integrative health services for Veterans. The primary function is direct patient care. The PTA will deliver care to individuals and groups of Veterans in the inpatient (rehab and acute) and outpatient care settings. Major duties will include, but will not be limited to: A. The employee has completed education through an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program and provides direct patient care under the supervision of a physical therapist to provide services that promote prevention, remediation and rehab of acute and chronic physical dysfunctions. B. The PTA completes a preliminary review/exam of patient data; developing progressive types of therapy treatment programs done in consultation with a physical therapist or physician. C. Employee provides and monitors therapeutic activities and interventions based on goals established by a Physical Therapist but must be able to carry out a direct treatment plan without supervision of a physical therapist. Duties and responsibilities are carried out within various clinical, administrative and patient care areas associated with PM&RS. D. The PTA is able to collect data, deliver physical therapy treatments and plan and implement appropriate treatment. They demonstrate knowledge of issues related to patient safety in order to limit unnecessary risk in the course of their treatment. E. The employee is skilled in written communication to document objective data, progress/change in status, discharge status and patient or caregiver education. Written communication is done in a timely fashion. F. Employee communicates with supervising PT to alert them to change in patient status. The PTA will communicate with multidisciplinary team through team meetings, ward rounds, written reports and formal communication such as conversations. G. PTA is responsible for the care, upkeep and sanitation of equipment used. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 7:30AM-4:00PM Telework: Available Virtual: Eligible Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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