Kinesiotherapist Job in Phoenix, AZ

Vacancy No. CBSX-12565337-25-FMM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $75,783.00 to $98,515.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/29/2024 Close Date 11/11/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Phoenix, AZ


Summary

This position is in the Kinesiotherapy Section within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) Department at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The Kinesiotherapy who works at this level provides assessment and treatment intervention on an independent basis across the continuum of care and services provided by PM&RS.

Duties

The Kinesiotherapist demonstrates treatment competency beyond the average staff therapist by executing a full range of treatment procedures designed to allow most physically challenged Veterans the opportunity and ability to safely and most independent possible perform his/her physical functional daily activities. Patient care program development, medical staff training, consultation, research development, and resource sharing within the community. Complex therapeutic objectives and/or unusual and highly specialized procedures due to the severe or unusual involvement of the patient.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Administer clinical training programs for students, facility, staff, and/or physical medicine and rehabilitation therapy disciplines.
  • Establishing, negotiating, and maintaining affiliation agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs).
  • 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 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.
  • Travels to CBOCs and Mobile Medical Unit sites for patient care and staff training, as needed.
  • Develops and implements Kinesiotherapy patient education 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.
  • Establishes and maintains contact with other key staff involved in patient care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis at the Medical Center and VISN level.
  • 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.
  • Represents the Kinesiotherapy section and PM&RS at various clinical and administrative meetings/rounds at the discretion of the LEAD, Kinesiotherapy section.
  • Performs 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.
  • Ability to determine the most appropriate plan of care relative to the patient's diagnosis, age, developmental level and cultural needs.
  • Perform examination and treatment of patients representing a wide scope of ages and diagnoses, rendering varied modalities inherent in this profession.
  • Serves as a Clinical Instructor and role model for students in Kinesiotherapy and other programs where Kinesiotherapy is involved and have staff.
  • 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.
  • Suggests referrals/consults to other team professionals as appropriate.
  • 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.
  • Evaluates patient's needs with respect to durable medical equipment necessary for the patient in the home environment.
  • Selects appropriate equipment, determines which suits the patient best.
  • 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.
  • Reviews patients' medical records from outlying facilities to determine appropriateness of triaging referral to community care.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, Hours TBD
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Telework: Yes - Position Suitable
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-11

(1) Experience/Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) 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.

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

  1. Ability to coordinate and maintain academic agreements and assignments for student affiliations with universities, colleges, and other academic organizations.
  2. Knowledge of contemporary kinesiotherapy across multiple areas of practice and provide clinical guidance to staff kinesiotherapists within the department.
  3. Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about the practice of kinesiotherapy and areas of expertise.
  4. Ability to synthesize (create) clinical processes and practice in order to guide and train the students' clinical/educational experience and skills.
  5. Knowledge of AKTA practice guidelines and COPSKT certification requirements.
  6. Ability to apply appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques

(3) Assignment. This is the full performance level for the kinesiotherapist. Kinesiotherapists independently conduct assessments and develop treatment plans to the complexity of the diagnosis or disability using appropriate functional tests and measurements according to established evidence-based professional practices. The kinesiotherapists provide integrated and progressive skilled rehabilitative treatment modalities across the continuum of care. Duties may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: pre-habilitation, acute, sub-acute, transitional, home-based, post rehabilitative, and wellness programs. Administer musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures in order to reach maximum outcomes. Coordinate and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care, employ multiple treatment approaches and to accomplish complex treatment objectives. The kinesiotherapist may perform duties such as, accurately test, analyze, evaluate, and record measurements of vitals, muscular strength, endurance, range of motion, coordination, static/dynamic balance, cardiovascular endurance, gait analysis, posture, gross sensory impairment, functional mobility, activities of daily living, and prosthetic and orthotic gait, care and training. Provide education to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals regarding policies and procedures for guidance to maneuver through the health care system. Kinesiotherapists monitor and report on work status, program quality, performance improvement data, and make recommendations for process improvement.

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-11.

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.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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.

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:

  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript

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
  • 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 11/11/2024to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12565337.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Felicia Markham
Address
Carl T Hayden Veterans' Administration Medical Center
650 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
US
Learn more about this agency

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: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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