Summary
Position is in the Kinesiotherapy Section within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS). Provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care and services provided. Caries out general duty assignments but primarily serves as subject matter expert in Orthopedic and Mental Health in the field of Kinesiotherapy.
Duties
Supports outpatient Kinesiotherapy clinics. Coordinates and facilitates outpatient Kinesiotherapy programs in the areas of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial populations. Supports 5-year clinical exercise physiology students and medical students.Duties include but not limited to the following:
- Establishing, negotiating, and maintaining affiliation agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs).
- Serve as a liaison within other services in Phoenix VA. Provides clinical expertise in the areas of musculoskeletal, functional movement, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial populations.
- Arrange and serve as instructors for staff in-service training programs, and serve on curriculum committees of colleges and universities, and have substantive input into the course content for students.
- Responsible for the selection of appropriate preceptors, monitor timely evaluations of students, provide counseling as needed, and keep schools apprised of student performance.
- Review student performance, discuss deficiencies, and address any questions or concerns with student trainee and/or preceptor; and develop an action plan to address any problems, concerns, or deficiencies identified.
- Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients requesting KT services and patients referred to the KT Section both in person and by means of the most appropriate method of telecommunication.
- Develops and implements Kinesiotherapy patient education and treatment content, based on the most current evidence-based practice, to be delivered by the most appropriate method of telecommunication.
- Provides in-service and clinical training programs as assigned by the of the Kinesiotherapy section.
- Designs, conducts, and evaluates educational experiences on Kinesiotherapy subject matter for staff members, taking an active role in Journal Club, and seeks educational opportunities to enhance the Kinesiotherapy section, PM&RS, and the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
- Develops and provides timely reports as requested by the of the Kinesiotherapy section.
- Maintains timely data input utilizing care plans, initial assessments and/or specialty protocols as part of an ongoing process in coordination with other key interdisciplinary staff to provide effective patient care.
- Performs skilled Kinesiotherapy evaluation and treatments, male and female, ages ranging from adult to geriatric, having a variety of disabilities.
- Cases may be complex in nature with chronic and acute disease entities including, but not limited to, central nervous system disorders, joint diseases, circulatory and pulmonary diseases, diabetes mellitus, altered thought processes and multisystem disease combinations.
- Has ability to determine the most appropriate plan of care relative to the patient's diagnosis, age, developmental level and cultural needs within evaluation process.
- May be authorized to perform examination and treatment of patients representing a wide scope of ages and diagnoses, rendering varied modalities inherent in their profession.
- Serves as a Clinical Instructor and role model for students and others on the Kinesiotherapy and other programs where Kinesiotherapy is involved and have staff.
- Assist PM&RS Clinical Manager with KT annual competencies review for all PM&RS KT staff as requested.
- Employs motivational techniques to enlist patient participation and adaptive equipment and procedures to carry out a full range of complex treatment activities.
- Evaluates patient's condition upon appropriate referral to Kinesiotherapy or by patient request for Kinesiotherapy service to determine treatment plan.
- Performs and interprets results of tests and measurements for use in preparing for modification and/or evaluation of patient treatment, and adjusts the treatment based on changes in patient's condition.
- Gathers statistical data for quality assurance metrics.
- Evaluates patient's needs with respect to durable medical equipment necessary for the patient in the home environment.
- Makes recommendations for home modifications to ensure the safe functioning of each patient.
- Selects appropriate equipment, which provides patients with their best outcomes possible.
- Determines appropriate equipment necessary to allow patients to participate in home exercise program, assistive devices for mobility, transfers etc.
- Determines the most efficient way for the patient to function safely in a home environment with the resources available for the patient.
- To review patients' medical records from outlying facilities to determine appropriateness of triaging referral to community care.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday
Compressed/Flexible:May be available with supervisory approval.
Telework: Yes - Position Suitable
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Education:
(1) A bachelor'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
(2) 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
(3) 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.
- English Language Proficiency: Kinesiotherapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 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
Kinesiotherapist GS-12: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates.
- Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11).
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- (a) Ability to coordinate and maintain academic agreements and assignments for student affiliations with universities, colleges, and other academic organizations.
(b) Knowledge of contemporary kinesiotherapy across multiple areas of practice and provide clinical guidance to staff kinesiotherapists within the department.
(c) Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about the practice of kinesiotherapy and areas of expertise.
(d) Ability to synthesize (create) clinical processes and practice in order to guide and train the students' clinical/educational experience and skills.]
(e) Knowledge of AKTA practice guidelines and COPSKT certification requirements.
(f) Ability to apply appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques.
- Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Clinical education coordinator positions generally would be found in Complexity Level 1 (High Complexity) or in facilities of lesser complexity levels where there is an affiliation with kinesiotherapy programs. The kinesiotherapist at this level develop and administer clinical training programs for students, facility, staff, and/or physical medicine and rehabilitation therapy disciplines. This assignment occurs at active, affiliated VHA facilities where specialized clinical treatment programs are provided. Duties include, but are not limited to: establishing, negotiating, and maintaining affiliation agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs). Serve as a liaison with the university in determining when students may be sent for training, the number of students to be sent, areas of training and assignment; designing, conducting, and evaluating educational experiences for students, associated health trainees, and other personnel assigned to clinical program(s) for training. Arrange and serve as instructors for staff in-service training programs, and serve on curriculum committees of colleges and universities, and have substantive input into the course content for students. The kinesiotherapists are responsible for the selection of appropriate preceptors, monitor timely evaluations of students, provide counseling as needed, and keep schools apprised of student performance. Review student performance, discuss deficiencies, and address any questions or concerns with student trainee and/or preceptor; and develop an action plan to address any problems, concerns, or deficiencies identified.
References: VA Handbook 5005/132, Part II, Appendix G21, Kinesiotherapist Qualification Standard GS-0635 Veterans Health Administration.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: VA Handbook 5019/1, Part II, Pre-Placement Physical Examination and Evaluation.
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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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, résumé, 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)
- 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 10/09/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12559727.
- 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.
|