Summary
Position is located in the Kinesiotherapy section of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS). Duties involve working with adult and geriatric adult patients in Extended/Long-term care (intermediate medicine, CLC), Ambulatory Care (outpatients), and Acute Care (general, medical, and surgical), Acute Care and Chronic Psychiatry, and CBOCs.
Duties
This is an open continuous announcement accepting application until September 30, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Conducts independent assessment using observation highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic fitness testing procedures; evaluates the patient's overall physical condition, including balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, endurance, skills, and aptitudes; conducts initial and ongoing evaluations of patients based on physiological, kinesiological, and psychological knowledge.
- Incumbent has the knowledge of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities.
- Gathers pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescriptions, and evaluates the patient to develop and implement a treatment plan. Incumbent devises specific activities, group-oriented programs, and routines to maintain or4 improve general state of health, physical fitness or conditioning where it is absent or to restore it where it has been lost due to disease or disability; develops psychosocial activities for the relief of frustrations; guides ambulation and provides gait training after injury, surgery, amputation, paralysis or neurological disorder; and develops proficiency in mobility and self-care activities of daily living.
- Incumbent frequently selects, recommends, adapts, constructs, and designs orthotic, prosthetic, assistive devices, and/or major/minor equipment and instruct patient/caregiver in the proper use, application, and care of such devices.
- Follows up on the status of patient who fail to report for treatment and/or for those patients who have progressed to the maximum status of rehabilitation.
- Educate and counsels patient, families, and/or significant others about the disability incurred, any intervention measures to decrease the disability, and any necessity to continue an at home therapy program.
- Functions as an active member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery and continuity of care to the patient by sharing ideas, exchanging pertinent information, planning treatment, recommending the need for kinesiotherapy service.
- Posses the ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for future in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques.
- Elicits patient participation and independently employs a variety of motivational techniques to ensure patient or group participation in KT treatment program where objectives are difficult to achieve due to severity or complexity of disabilities.
- Determines need of orthotic or assistive devices training and educates patient and/or significant other in the proper application/installation/use.
- Collaborates with the Prosthetic Services related to specialized equipment consults and follows through appropriately.
- Attends and participates in pertinent educational experiences such as in-service training, lectures, seminars, and workshops. Documentation is required of specialized training in specific subspecialties of kinesiotherapy over and above that expected of the journeyman level.
- Complies and submits statistical data and reports quality assurance finding to document program effectiveness, caseload, and patient treatment/attendance.
- Independently develops KT patient education materials, handouts, and forms.
- Supervises Kinesiotherapy students, therapy aides, work study students, and volunteers working with patients.
- Orients other medical center personnel to KT services, science, procedures, and techniques related to patient care provisions/options.
- Provides additional training and in-services for both KT staff and other VA staff members as assigned based on their advanced educational degrees, specialized certifications and/or job requirements or job duties specific to KT.
- Organizes, maintains, and secures work area and equipment to provide a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment as outlined by supervisory staff, JACHO guidelines, station policy and infection control staff members.
- Program, fire and safety codes, infection control, OSHA, equipment training, SPR, and prevention of waste in accordance with OPM, VA regulations and established medical center guidelines.
- Incumbent performs other duties as assigned by supervisor o kinesiotherapy.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 09:00 am - 4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 544-01834A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
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.
- English Language: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7402 (d).
- Education: Applicants must havebachelor's degree or higher from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program, with a concentration/emphasis in kinesiotherapy.
OR,
A bachelor's degree or higher with a concentration/emphasis in kinesiotherapy or exercise science related field and registered as a kinesiotherapist in good standing with the COPSKT.
OR,
A master's degree or higher with a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, human performance or a related field, which has been approved by COPSKT and a certificate verifying completion of a Center of Excellence (COE) Kinesiotherapy clinical training program. The completion of the certificate ensures that COPSKT has approved the degree program as part of the application process for the COE internship.
Registration: All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. Non-registered applicants at the GS-7 and GS-9 level who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for appointment, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate kinesiotherapist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B). Pursuant to 38 U.S.C § 7405(c)(2)(B), the appointment cannot exceed two years if the non-registered applicant's registration is pending with the COPSKT.
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
Kinesiotherapist, GS-7:
Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Kinesiotherapist, GS-9:
Experience/Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's degree from a university or college in the field of kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of kinesiotherapy.
(b) Knowledge of assistive devices to make recommendations, including fit and function of assistive devices with the ability to recognize appropriate prosthetic/orthotic devices for the patient.
(c) Knowledge of evaluation and assessment tools in applying therapeutic techniques.
(d) Skill in instructing patients and families in a therapeutic exercise program.
Kinesiotherapist, GS-11:
Experience/Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Skill in communicating and coordinating with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process.
(b) Knowledge [of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities.
(c) Ability to conduct independent assessments using highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests.
(d) Knowledge of learning principles, behavioral intervention, and innovational techniques for patient and caregiver education.
(e) Ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques.
(f) Ability to use clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment and/or continuation of treatment.
Preferred Experience: Prior experience with wellness programs and general exercise science.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G21
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: The work demands periods of intense concentration in planning, analyzing, coordination, and execution. It is primarily sedentary with some slight physical efforts required . Day-to-day work involves sitting, walking, standing and carrying light to moderate objects, such as telehealth machines and related components. Work may be performed in a clinical setting that exposes the incumbent to the communicable diseases common of the client population. Some work is performed in a setting away from the office, where the environment cannot be controlled.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 09/30/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12379009.
- 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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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