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This position serves as a Physical Therapy Assistant, Geriatric Clinical Specialist, in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the Lexington VA Health Care System, Lexington, KY. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education. Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) [ ] Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; OR (2) [Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs. OR (3) Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs.] Licensure. Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-9 (1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate one of the following: (a) A minimum of 2000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area, and completion of 60 contact hours of selected continuing education coursework. This time must be within the past five years; or (b) Advanced Practice Proficiency (APP) in the specialty area recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA); or (c) An additional academic degree related to the health care mission. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to mentor other staff in advanced clinical guidelines and best practices. (b) Ability to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for healthcare providers in specialty practice areas regarding physical therapy care. (c) Ability to present] advanced knowledge in the therapeutic interventions and clinical practice guidelines with the healthcare team. (d) Ability to interpret and apply clinical practice guidelines. (3) Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. PTAs at this level apply advanced practice skills to treat complex patients. PTAs possess an advanced level of clinical competence and serve as a SME in specialty practice areas. They serve as a subject matter expert in a rehabilitation program such as, but not limited to, geriatrics, amputee, brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurological, safe patient handing, or any other functional debilitative conditions. They possess advanced practice skills and experience with a wide range of patient complexity. They apply advanced methodologies to a vast array of functional impairments and patients. They independently recommend and apply evidence-based treatment approaches within the plan of care. References: APPENDIX G23. PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0636. VA Handbook 5005/139, PART II APPENDIX G23. January 28, 2021. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The incumbent of the position will meet and maintain physical and drug test program requirements for the position as required: heavy lifting of 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying of 15-44 pounds, straight pulling, pulling hand-over-hand, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other, emotional and mental stability. ["Primary function is direct patient/client care. The Physical Therapy Assistant Geriatric Clinical Specialist has advanced knowledge of contemporary Physical Therapy across multiple areas of practice and the demonstrated ability to apply this advanced knowledge to provide clinical guidance to Staff Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy students, and other healthcare providers. Functions include, but are not limited to: Responsible for independently applying advanced practice skills to treat complex patients. Incumbent executes a treatment plan and goals and is responsible for implementation, modification, and documentation of treatment. Incumbent exhibits complex clinical skills. Coordinates and implements highly specialized treatment programs within his/her assigned clinic, based on best practices for patient/client management, to relieve pain, restore or enhance performance, and maximize independence in functional abilities. Demonstrates advanced manual therapy skills especially for management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions including, but not limited to, sprains, degenerative disease of aging spine, rotator cuff disorders, sciatic, hip, and knee conditions. Recognizes the appropriateness of responses to treatment based on indications, precautions, and contraindications. Recognizes when to refer conditions outside the scope of physical therapy practice to the appropriate provider. Manages his/her caseload with concern for the complexity of treatment required. Serves as a mentor to other therapists/students in the evaluation and treatment in the areas of orthopedics and manual therapy. Provide in-service and clinical training programs as assigned by the Section Chief of the Physical and Occupational Therapy Section. Develop program planning, staff education/training, QI monitoring, and program evaluation within area of specialty. Develop and provide timely reports to the Section Chief of Physical and Occupational Therapy. Establish positive relationships and work collaboratively with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiatry, Orthopedics, Chiropractic services, and Acupuncture services Work Schedule: Monday to Friday - 7:30am-4:00pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:30237-F Physical Therapy Assistant. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]

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