Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary About the Position:This is an open continuous announcement. Multiple vacancies exist and may be filled from this announcement. We accept applications on an ongoing basis; qualified applicants will be considered as vacancies become available. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Student Loan repayment may be authorized. Responsibilities Perform a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection. Plan, coordinate, and administer diverse physical therapy programs for wounded, ill and injured patients. Utilize the various modalities of physical therapy, as prescribed, to include diathermy, hydrotherapy, massage, electrotherapy, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise. Design a patient progressive treatment plan. Provide updated status in patient progress reports. Instruct and review all home program precautions and contraindications with patients and family members. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient’s rehabilitation and reintegration needs. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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 GS-07: Specialized experience: One year of specialized experience which includes implementing physical therapy treatment plans, and instructing on physical therapy programs or providing status reports. Knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in a large variety of treatment procedures that support specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06). OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application. 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. NOTE: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Preferred: An unrestricted license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant from a state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States. Education 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: Additional Information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. Term positions: One year trial/probationary period may be required. Term positions: A term position is time-limited and may be extended to a maximum of eight years. Permanent, term, part-time, intermittent or temporary positions may be filled from this solicitation. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is temporary, full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Intermittent Positions: This position does not provide guaranteed work hours each week, and work will be assigned on an intermittent "as needed basis." This position will NOT lead to a full-time position. Intermittent employees are NOT eligible for benefits (Health and Life Insurance) (Annual and Sick Leave). Temporary Positions: A temporary position is time limited and may be extended in one year increments to a maximum of three years and may be terminated at any time during the duration of the appointment. Position may be designated as Mission Essential.