Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

• PTAs at this level apply advanced practice skills to treat complex patients, with a special emphasis on Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis serving local, regional and national areas, but to also include clinical duties serving other neurological conditions to meet the needs locally and where gaps exist. Performs direct patient care (face-to-face and virtual formats) within at least 50% of the time focused specifically on treatment and management of MS and Parkinson's Disease. Has experience, knowledge, and comfortability of patients served within the neurological clinical spectrum to include specific experience Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease. Some patient care duties outside of Neuro Rehab area may be assigned depending on clinical demand to include inpatient and outpatient services. Demonstrated ability to apply advanced clinical knowledge to provide clinical guidance to other staff members in the department. Assists in the development, planning, and implementation of monitors of quality of care with respect to patients with neurologic diagnoses as part of the comprehensive health care services delivered to the patients within VA Puget Sound. Supports the clinical team in determining gaps in policy and clinical practice guidelines and work to close those gaps. Uses clinical reasoning and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to meet the needs of patients. Documents in a timely, concise manner, per section documentation and consult management requirements. Anticipates patient's needs and recognizes patient's ability to use a variety of stock, custom, and adaptive equipment to optimize functionality and independence. Supports, delivery and training in the use of patient specific equipment in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner, utilizing the processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment. Will integrate the latest research and evidence-based practices into program development, policy formulation, and clinical guidelines to ensure high-quality care. Utilizes data-driven approaches to evaluate and improve therapy services, considering factors such as geographic location and specific diagnoses to tailor interventions. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7 am - 3:30pm Telework: Ad Hoc Only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAEDRPProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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.

Education

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/.