Position is located in the Physical Therapy of the PM&RS. One position to be assigned to the outpatient area. The other position primary assignment will be the STRIDE Program at the inpatient wards. The STRIDE Program is an evidence-based, supervised walking program for hospitalized older adults focused on maintaining musculoskeletal strength and mobility during hospitalization avoiding development of disability, decreasing length of stay. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Successful completion of an associate's 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 (CAPTE). 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Physical Therapy Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Preferred Experience: Three years of experience in a general outpatient physical therapy setting. Grade Determinations GS-8 Experience In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a)Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. (b)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.). (c)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. (d)Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. (e)Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. (f)Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.(g)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. Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient spoke and written Spanish. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/139, PART II, APPENDIX G23. PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD STANDARD, GS-0636, Veterans Health Administration dated January 28, 2021. 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-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: : The work involves standing and walking for about 70-80% of a normal workday. In addition, the PTA must be able to squat, kneel, push and pull, and lift loads from the ground and from above shoulder height. The physical demand level as defined by the Department of Labor is 'Medium' requiring the occasional lifting of 20-50 lbs, the frequent lifting of 10-25 lbs and the constant lifting of 10 lbs during the normal workday. Physical Therapy requires manual dexterity and coordination to use modalities such as ultrasound and TENS units, and to demonstrate the use of mobility equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs. In addition, PTA's must be able to modify such equipment using tools. ["Major duties but not limited to: Observes patient's ability to perform specified tasks in order to provide a preliminary assessment of information on safety considerations and patient's functional status in activities such as gait, transfers, balance and mobility. Assists the physical therapist in the coordination and implementation of intervention plan.\nIncumbent has full knowledge of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) terminology and implements it in the daily practice of physical therapy.\nPerforms ongoing assessment of patient's functional status.\nTrains patients and relatives in therapeutic exercises and activities of daily living\nUtilizes specialized equipment for the treatment of patients.\nCommunicates effectively and collaborates with other team members, persons, family members, or caregivers.\nObserves and assesses patients' response to treatment and reports it in the medical record.\nRe-evaluates patients at established intervals and updates or adjusts treatment plan and goals accordingly.\nDocuments all treatment interventions and patient/family education, as required by policies and procedures of the Service.\nDocuments functional and physical status, progress/change in condition and patient or caregiver education.\nPerforms other related duties as required by the service.\nMaintains records of all services provided using CPT codes and current methodology to prepare reports as required by the Service.\nChecks the conditions of machines before use and observes necessary precautions to maintain a healthy and safe environment.\nComplies with standard operating procedures for cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment as established in service guidelines.\nReports noted deficiencies in service delivery and contributes with ideas to improve operations.\nParticipates in information and outcomes management activities.\nShows awareness of basic financial management principles. Selects, adapts, and implements intervention in response to acute changes in the patient's physiological status. Keep himself current on JCAHO and CARF standards\nContributes to the Physical Therapy in-service education program through lectures and demonstrations and by submitting topics of interest.\nServes as a Clinical Instructor for Physical Therapy Assistant Students, to include planning, scheduling, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the student's clinical affiliation. Incumbent is responsible for student orientation, instruction, and counseling.\nParticipates in the training and supervision of volunteers and other personnel as requested.\nMaintains expertise through attendance at professional meetings, specialized trainings, and literature review. Note: One position be assigned to the outpatient area. The other position primary assignment will be the STRIDE Program at the inpatient wards. Work Schedule: Sun-Thurs; Mon to Fri; Tues to Sat from 8:00am - 4:30pm including Weekends, Holidays, and rotating shifts\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: CAPABLE\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 00000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nPCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]