Physical Therapy Assistant

<p>Position is located i1 the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. (PM&RS) i1 the Shreveport, Louisiana VA Medical Center.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The treating Physical Therapist is available a, a regularly scheduled basis to review the practice of the PTAs and support the PTAs in the performance of their services. The majority of duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within the medical center's outpatient and inpatient care areas. Duties performed include, but are not limited to the following: Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs, some of which are for patients with complex medical problems and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants to accommodate requests. Utilizes complex therapeutic techniques and uses problem solving skills to maximize patient's functional status. Modifies and adapts therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. 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. Attends and presents workshops, conferences, and in-services to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service and other Medical Center services as assigned. 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. Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs. Assists with the supervision and training of student physical therapy assistants, volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners. Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate h treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Identifies critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment. Assists h the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedure. Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage. Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise. Fits, adjusts and instructs patients h use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. Organizes workday to complete duties in a timely manner allowing time for required daily chart documentation. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, may include nights, weekends and holidays (subject to change based on the facility needs) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01017F/01018F/01019F/01020F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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 Federal service. 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.<h3>Education</h3>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/.