Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

The incumbent for this position carries a full patient caseload and is responsible for maintaining appropriate patient records. The PTA provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction at the basic introductory level. Position can include both acute inpatient hospital and outpatient treatment locations. Weekend and holiday workdays are expected.

Duties

• Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqYThis position is located in the section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&R) of Physical Integrated Medicine Service (PIMS) at the Ralph H.
• Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
• The incumbent carries a full patient caseload and is responsible for maintaining appropriate patient records in accordance with PMR, VA and Joint Commission policies and standards.
• The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction at the basic introductory level.
• Position can include both acute inpatient hospital and outpatient treatment locations.
• Weekend and holiday workdays are expected.
• Typical duties may include but are not limited to: Receive and interpret requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapists or physician.
• Plans and implements therapy for patients under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist.
• Completes a chart review and obtain a subjective history.
• Administers therapy to patients incorporating accepted modalities and treatment standards per the American Physical Therapy Association (PTA) under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist.
• Demonstrates familiarity and basic competencies in all clinical modalities, exercise and functional activities to enhance patient independence.
• Communicates with treating physical therapist to allow for development and modification of treatment plans.
• Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plan and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities.
• Interacts with the patient and family goals for treatment under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist.
• Fits, adjusts, and instructs patients in the use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities.
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the physical therapist and fellow healthcare professionals concerned with the patient's care as needed.
• Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, reports on patient's goals and progress and to assist in planning patient's treatment program.
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks cleaning, stocking, etc.
• Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers, and self.
• Reports to Supervisory Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment.
• Maintain a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs, clinical in-services, and on-line training.
• Performs other necessary duties as assigned.
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM EST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 58116F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Contact VHAEDRPProgramSupport@va.gov for questions/assistance.
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• You must be a U.S.
• Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the
• Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Required Documents

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
• Resume Special Note for
• Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume
• Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible
• Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor
• Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your
• DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable,
• General, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible
• Veterans) must also submit an
• SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran
• Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on
• Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets