Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist - Mental Health) Job in Dallas, TX

Vacancy No. CAZM-12662307-25-ML Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $96,343.00 to $125,252.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/10/2025 Close Date 1/24/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Dallas, TX


Summary

The Kinesiotherapist Clinical Specialist (KT/CS) in this position provides direct patient care and therapy services on an independent basis across the continuum of care to veterans at the VANTXHCS Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service. He/She has responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in a content specialty area of Mental Health and as a consultant to kinesiotherapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in this specialty area.

Duties

The Kinesiotherapist in this position has responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in a content specialty area of Mental Health and as a consultant to kinesiotherapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in this specialty area. This individual must demonstrate advance skills/competency and techniques in care of the mental health patient population who have varying degrees of highly complex physical, functional and/or mental problems. This includes skills to perform and interpret specialized evaluative/assessment procedures and tests, in the areas physical function, cognition (Dementia/Alzheimer's), substance abuse, nutrition, comorbidities, psychological status, and social support.

Duties include but not limited to:

Clinical Functions: Patient Care

Performs patient evaluation:

  • Veterans are scheduled for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates Veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members.
  • Recognizes the appropriateness of treatment based on indications, precautions and contraindications and uses professional judgement to initiate consultation to the appropriate provider.
Treatment Implementation:
  • Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals and timeliness for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or stakeholder input.
  • Implements complex and innovative therapeutic techniques not limited to: joint replacement therapy, orthopedic knee and hip dysfunction, shoulder dysfunction, complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), and mobility training to maintain or achieve veteran's physical and/or emotional rehabilitation potential.
Mental Health Clinical Specialist Functions:Administrative functions include:
  • Incumbent has advance skills to perform and interpret specialized evaluation procedures and tests in the specialty area of mental health which includes but not limited to physical function, cognition (dementia/Alzheimer's), nutrition, comorbidities, psychological status, and social support.
  • Demonstrates a full professional understanding of selective therapeutic techniques and modalities related to the patient population being treated. Serves as a mentor or consultant for patients, Kineisotherapy staff and Medical Center Healthcare team members in the areas of Kinesiotherapy, and Mental Health.
  • Develops and implements comprehensive advanced and complex treatments using advanced skills and techniques which may include, but are not limited to: psychiatric diagnosis, fall risk assessments, neuromuscular facilitation, strength/endurance training, energy conservation, sensory/perception deficits, cognitive impairments and patient/family education, to meet the Veteran rehabilitation objectives. Treatment may be conducted individually and/or in group settings.
Administrative functions include:
  • Understands and adheres to department, program, and facility procedures.
  • Receives, triages and assigns patient referrals/consults, patient self-referrals, adheres to consult compliance established guidelines.
  • Schedules Veterans for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team. Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients and for family conferences. Assists with coverage to other PM&R clinics as needed.
  • Provides relief coverage, as needed, in any PM&R program in the event of shortage of staff to maintain the continuum of patient care.
Education and Research:
  • Identifies learning activities for self and others. Participates and contributes to the advancements of knowledge and techniques related to specialty services, Mental Health and Kinesiotherapy via in-services and/or conducts mentorship projects. Conducts in-services for interdisciplinary team and other rehabilitation programs.
  • Keeps up advance knowledge and maintains current concepts and trends in Mental Health, Kinesiotherapy and, evidence based medicine/rehabilitation practices, through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance to continuing education courses, conferences and in-services (at least annual training in specialty area from an accreditation body approved by Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT).
  • Provides 2 in-services per year to staff members regarding Kinesiotherapy services, techniques and protocols in the specialty area.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.Occational weekends and holidays as needed for patient care.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
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.
  • 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

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

Foreign Graduates. Graduates of a foreign program must meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current registration to practice kinesiotherapy in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States or in the District of Columbia. They must have at a minimum, proof of a degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credentialing evaluation company).

Registration. All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT.

English Proficiency. Kinesiotherapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Grade Determinations: Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist) , GS-12

Experience.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and one of the following:
(a) Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area within the last 5 years; or
(b) Certification in the specialty area from an accreditation body approved by COPSKT; or
(c) An additional advanced degree in a related field; or
(d) Completion of a fellowship program.

Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

(a) Knowledge [in a range] of specialized [interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of kinesiotherapy.
(b) Ability to serve as a consultant/mentor for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized area of kinesiotherapy.
(c) Skill to perform and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty area.
(d) Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current kinesiotherapy theory, recent research, and evidence- based practice.

Preferred Experience:
  • 3+ years prior experience in mental health setting with direct patient care population
  • Knowledge of and experience with substance abuse, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders
  • Therapeutic / Rehabilitation experience with adult and older adult populations
  • 2+ years experience performing KT services in both therapeutic group and individual settings
  • Prior experience with writing and creating weight management and nutrition programs
References: VA Handbook 5005/132, Part II, Appendix G21

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Should have the ability to perform repetitive physical activities: Up to 4-6 hours of the following: sitting, walking, standing, twisting, bending, stooping, reaching, reaching overhead, grasping and pinching with hands and fine manipulation, such as typing/keyboarding. Up to 1-2 hours of the following: straight pulling, puling hand over hand, pushing, climbing and kneeling. Required lifting light to moderate (up to 44 pounds) and carrying light to moderate (up to 44 pounds). Required functional hearing with/without hearing aids, near vision correctable at 13-16", Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, the ability to use both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Use of fingers, both hands and use of both legs. Sitting is required for meetings, administrative work and occasionally driving motor vehicle most of the day. The ability to drive is required. The position demands significant physical stress and strain such as transferring patients, crouching and crawling on mats, and occasionally defending self against combative patients assigned to the incumbent. Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity, to evaluate and treat patients, and to use computer, keyboard, monitor, phone, etc. Work is performed in the clinics, wards, exercise areas, office and conference rooms, occasionally in the home. May be exposed to infectious diseases, medical and psychiatric emergencies.

The position may require occasional travel away from the duty station to visit Veterans' home, for meetings, conferences and/or training at VA CBOC clinics and other PM&RS locations within VANTHCS. Must be able to obtain and maintain a state issued Driver License to operate a government vehicle. This travel may require the transportation of Protected Health Information.

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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Accreditation Information: Degree from a KT program accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program or Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT).

NOTE: If your school was accredited at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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.

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.

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.

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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

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:

  • COPSKT Registration/Certification
  • Resume


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
  • COPSKT Registration/Certification
  • 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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 01/24/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12662307.

  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

VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
Address
Dallas VA Medical Center
4500 South Lancaster Road
Dallas, TX 75216
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: 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.


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


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