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The Pain Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is assigned to the Pain Management service under Specialty Care at the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics (SORCC) at the White City, OR VA Medical Center. 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 (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 - Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations GS-6 (Development Level 1) Requirements: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of evidence based physical therapy practice. Ability to perform physical therapy data collection and use of objective measures in order to carry out patient plan of care. Ability to modify treatment approaches, within the scope of the established treatment plans, to reflect patients' changing needs. Skill in promoting physical therapy services by providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. GS-7 (Development Level 2) Requirements: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to perform in depth chart review to implement treatment plans. Ability to independently use objective measures to assess progress, in accordance with the plan of care for complex patient cases. Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice. Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan. GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Requirements: One year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.). Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client. Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs. Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. References: VHA 5005, Appendix G23, Physical Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Straight pulling ( Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone. ["The primary function of the Pain PTA in this position is direct patient care to a medically complex and diverse population in the outpatient setting. Treatment duties include providing treatment to patients in accordance with the plan put forth by the Pain Physical Therapist managing the patient's care plan. The Pain PTA will also be responsible for documentation that meets Pain Management, Hospital, and Joint Commission requirements for content and timeliness. The Pain PTA will participate in patient/family meetings and education as directed by the Pain Management Manager, Pain Management Team, supervising therapists and/or designee. This individual must have knowledge, skills, and abilities to interact with and provide treatment to patients from young adulthood through geriatric age and be able to fulfill their age specific needs. With this background he/she modifies programming to ensure positive outcomes and efficacy of treatment per consultation with PT. Major duties will include, but will not be limited to: Responsible for the provision of direct treatment of patients under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist. Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics, kinesiology, psychology, pathophysiology, and surgical procedures as they relate to human function. The PTA will also possess knowledge relative to the impact of aging on the cardiopulmonary, visual, auditory, sensory, perceptual, and musculoskeletal systems. Assesses the need for and the patient's ability to use assistive devices and adaptive equipment. If appropriate, issues it to patients, and trains them in the proper use of the device(s). Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of physical therapy care. Functions autonomously in carrying out patient education, treatments, and applying physical therapy procedures for which competency has been established and in accordance with state laws or local facility regulations and APTA documents. Adept at modifying the treatment plan, therapeutic activities and interventions based on the changing needs, goals, and performance of the patient. Alerts the Physical Therapist overseeing the care of the patient when modifications are needed to the treatment plan when either the established goals or timeframes for achievement of those goals has been attained. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00AM-4:30PM\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]