Physical Therapy Assistant

About the Position: This position falls under Defense Health Agency at McDonald Army Health Center, Directorate of Surgery and requires one year of specialized experience which includes implementing physical therapy treatment plans; and instructing on physical therapy programs or providing status reports.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation

Performs a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection to perform specific aspects of evaluations and interventions. | Under the direction of the PT, plans, coordinates, and administers diverse physical therapy for wounded, ill and injured patients, as well as other beneficiaries, with a wide range of physical and behavioral health diagnoses and disabilities. | Provides updated status in patient progress reports, as well as other administrative reports. | Initiates, implements, plans, and recommends progressive treatment plan with consideration of patient’s neurological, surgical, sensory, respiratory, cardiac status, gait ability, posture, age and general health, under the supervision of the PT. | Provides instruction to patients, family members and/or other health workers to perform selected treatment procedures and functional training activities. | Tracks procedure’s effects on patients, long-and short-term effects of different types of therapy, and appropriateness of a specific therapy, noting overall trends in efficacy, reporting problems to supervisor. | Participates in instructional programs, as directed by the PT, to include teaching other personnel in sound, proper methods of physical therapy treatment. | Assists in planning and coordinating in-service training for professional and non-professional personnel. | Completes administrative duties as required, including but not limited to checking in patients, scheduling, and template management. | Masters new techniques and modality proficiency by studying current literature and conducting required research. Researches new therapy equipment and makes recommendations for purchase.

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:

Specialized experience: One year of specialized experience which includes implementing physical therapy treatment plans; and 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: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology

OR

Combination of Experience and Education: 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 18. Add the two percentages.

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. | Must possess and maintain current licensure in a state, territory, or the District of Columbia. | Position requires the ability to lift 45 lbs. A pre-placement medical examination is required. | This position has a Temporary duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time. | Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. | This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing. | 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. | 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. | Applicants must be able to fulfill non-privileged professional credential requirements. | A Personnel Security Investigation is required. | This position has been designated “Mission Essential” with physical duty. In the event of severe weather conditions or other such emergency type situations the incumbent may be required to report to work or remain at work as scheduled.