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USAJOBS · 1 month ago

Physical Therapy Asst

Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$56K/yr - $73K/yr

1+ years exp

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a full-time Physical Therapy Assistant for the VA Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. The role involves implementing patient care plans, providing skilled interventions, and collaborating with healthcare team members to evaluate and coordinate treatment programs.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

The Physical Therapy Assistant implements the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status

They provide evidenced based skilled interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, therapeutic modalities, gait training, transfer training, manual treatment, neuromuscular re-education, self-care and management training, patient/caregiver's education and group therapy

Perform an in-depth chart review including medical history, contraindications for treatment

Obtains appropriate subjective history and demonstrates ability to interpret information gained through subjective history

Will have knowledge of evidence based, contemporary physical therapy practice

They treat patients through exercise, massage, modalities, gait, and balance training and other therapeutic interventions

Identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status

PTAs recommend changes in treatment based on changes in physical, mental and/or medical status of the patient

PTAs instruct, motivate and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities

Independently uses objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases

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

Implements a physical therapy treatment program for assigned patients who may range in age from young adult through older adult

Demonstrates knowledge of treatment techniques needed to assess changes in physical, mental and or medical status of the patient

Accurately interprets information that is gained through performing chart review and obtaining a subjective history of patients assigned

Reviews the medical record and the established physical therapy treatment plan of care for each assigned patient prior to providing physical therapy treatment

Utilizing a predetermined standardized format, may screen patients designated by PT as possible candidates for physical therapy services

Provides physical therapy services as specified in the physical therapy plan of care

Appropriately provides modalities, as specified in the physical therapy plan of care

Communicates appropriately and maintains a professional relationship with patients and their families and visitors

Practices appropriate infection control measures

Respects and protects patient privacy

Implements, in a timely manner, treatment programs to meet established goals, taking into consideration the particular rehabilitation problems of each patient

Completes patient encounters and documentation accurately for each visit, timely and in the approved format

Submits any special reports on patients, data for recurring and non-recurring PMRS reports, as requested

Appropriately and effectively serves on section, program and/or service line committees, training or projects as requested

Assists with maintaining adequate supplies, materials and equipment for anticipated treatment needs

Maintains clinic area in a manner congruent with infection control and safety policies, guidelines, and recommendations

Reports all safety hazards and faulty equipment to Rehab Coordinator or Service Line Administrative Officer

Participate in Performance Improvement programs as requested by the section or Service Line

Qualification

Physical Therapy Assistant LicensePhysical Therapy EducationTherapeutic ExercisePatient AssessmentInfection ControlTeam CollaborationCommunication SkillsDocumentation Skills

Required

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy

English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)

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

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-7

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