Physical Therapy Assistant

The GS-9 Physical Therapy Assistant is assigned to the Physical Therapy Department within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS).

This position requires advanced level clinical competence. The incumbent will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in a CAVHCS rehabilitation program such as, but not limited to, clinical education, geriatrics, orthopedics, cardiac rehabilitation, safe patient handling, or any other functional debilitative conditions. Duties included but not limited to: Serves veterans who are inpatients in the acute care hospital, veterans who are scheduled in outpatient clinics (face-to-face and virtual care), and residents of the Community Living Center. Works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist(PT) to provide services that promote the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. Participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a PT. Provides therapeutic services including treatment, advisory and consultative functions to Veterans and their families. In addition to the basic clinical functions, the incumbent:(1) Performs higher-level duties within the designated rehabilitation program (clinical education, geriatrics, orthopedics, cardiac rehabilitation, safe patient handling, or any other functional debilitative conditions) at least 25% of the time.(2) Applies advanced practice skills and specialized experience to treat complex patients. In addition to the basic administrative functions, the incumbent will:(1) Serve on select medical center committees, as directed by Supervisor, to provide departmental representation as specialists for movement dysfunction and as SME within the designated program.(2) Attend inter-departmental meetings to develop and maintain best practices for the delivery of optimal patient care. In addition to the basic education functions, the incumbent will:(1) Conduct training as assigned by the Coordinator for Clinical Education, Supervisory Physical Therapist, or his/her designee.(2) Complete continuing education, to support knowledge and skills well beyond entry level and within the designated program. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: ???????62732F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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.

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/.