Physical Therapy Assistant

About the Position: This is an open continuous announcement. Multiple vacancies exist and may be filled from this announcement at any of the locations listed. We accept applications on an ongoing basis; qualified applicants will be considered as vacancies become available.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation.

Perform a wide range of complex Physical Therapy Assistant duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection. | Under the direction of the Physical Therapist plan, coordinate, and administer diverse physical therapy programs. | Instruct and review all home program precautions and contraindications with patients and family members on use and application of physical modalities for home environment. | Ensure treatment plan is designed to maximize results in promotion of healing and pain relief while ultimately improving the patient’s functional independence. | Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient’s rehabilitation and reintegration needs.

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for a Physical Therapy Assistant:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes implementing physical therapy treatment plans, instructing on physical therapy programs, or providing status reports. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).

OR

Education: A half year (i.e., 9 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Physical Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science. NOTE:You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 9. Add the two percentages. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. | A Personnel Security Investigation is required. | This position has specific initial background investigation and periodic re-verification requirements since its duties require interaction with children and youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age on a recurring basis. | Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. | Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. | A pre-placement medical examination is required. | Moderate to heavy lifting up to 45 pounds may be required. | This position may require the incumbent to work on call during irregular work hours which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or varying work schedules. | Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS. | Additional requirements may be determined as positions arise and will be communicated during the hiring process if you are selected.