Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within SAVAHCS including various clinical, administrative, and patient care areas associated with PM&RS.

Duties

Major duties to include but not limited to: Implements the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program, and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. Performs specific interventions and monitors and captures progress of the patient/client using knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques. Responsible for the execution of routine and specialized physical therapy treatment of patients. The PTA is allowed individual creativity and initiative to execute treatment program goals and objectives set forth by the treating physical therapist. Implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Executes treatments for all types of diagnoses both routine and complex including but not limited to orthopedic, neurological, integumentary conditions of all degrees of severity. Many cases are complex where multiple diagnoses complicate treatment. Provides evidence based skilled interventions including, but not limited to: therapeutic exercise; therapeutic activities; therapeutic modalities; manual treatment; neuromuscular re-education; self-care and management training; patient/caregiver's education and group therapy; balance; body mechanics; flexibility; strength, etc. Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs or perceptions of the patient. Identifies critical changes (e.g., vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Utilizes considerable tact and resourcefulness in an effort to provide motivating factors to encourage patients to work toward rehabilitation goals. As a physical therapy team member, the PTA may be required to provide periodic in-services as requested by interdisciplinary team members. Instruction and/or patient education may include physical therapy interventions/modalities, body mechanics, transfer techniques, bed positioning, range of motion exercises and application of slings, splints, and braces. Communicates effectively with interdisciplinary treatment team members regarding patient function. Instructs patients and caregivers in varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home exercise programs. Administers thermo-therapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, TENS, diathermy, ultrasound, iontophoresis, low level laser therapy, traction, therapeutic exercises, and skin/wound care dressing as indicated by a Licensed Physical Therapist. Recognizes significant change and/or adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Meets with the physical therapy staff and other healthcare team members to evaluate and discuss patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. Assists in gait training and remedial muscle re-education. Facilitates the provision of adaptive and durable medical equipment provided by the physical therapist. Maintains the linen supply, cleans equipment, changes sheets on the treatment tables, and adheres to infection control procedures. Maintains clinic treatment records, attendance records, schedules patients when indicated and completes encounters daily. Documents treatment and treatment outcomes per the physical therapy treatment plan in the electronic medical record. Orders departmental supplies for the inpatient or outpatient physical therapy gym depending on assignment. Attends regularly scheduled departmental and physical therapy section meetings. Demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients related to physical limitations, unique psychological needs, and age associated illnesses and conditions. Work Schedule: Full-Time/ Monday - Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/22/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13093862. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) 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. SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.