Kinesiotherapist- Ocala, FL Job in Ocala, FL

Vacancy No. CBTC-12599675-25-SGP Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $49,025.00 to $94,317.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/8/2024 Close Date 11/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Ocala, FL


Summary

The Kinesiotherapist will be responsible for outpatient evaluations and treatments to veteran/patients according to the North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation guidelines. These evaluations and treatments will include a wide variety of outpatient diagnoses such as Parkinson's, stroke, movement disorders, amputations, joint replacements, pulmonary diseases, etc. The Kinesiotherapist will also be responsible for issuing DME as well as bracing.




This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to ALL Current Federal Employees, including Current Department of Veterans Affairs (Agency - VHA, VBA, NCA) Employees, and North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System (Facility) Employees. . Facility Employees will have FIRST consideration. US Citizens should apply to PUBLIC Job Opportunity Announcement CBTC-12591950-25-SGP - Veterans Preference WILL APPLY.

Duties

Kinesiotherapists are responsible for performing a variety of duties including, but not limited to the following:

  • Interprets and administers, upon receipt of a prescription from a qualified physician, using specialized skills and medical knowledge in the evaluation of the patients' medical condition.
  • Employs therapeutic objectives which are complex because of the severe and multiple disabilities encountered.
  • Frequently selects, adapts and adjusts Kienesiotherpary intervention in accordance with rehabilitation goals.
  • Coordinates the scheduling of patient treatment with other PM&RS therapist as well as with the nursing staff.
  • Assembles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescription, and conducts physical evaluation of patients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan.
  • Determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the patient, a goal specific treatment plan.
  • Identify the need for modifications to the treatment intervention based on patient response to treatment in a manner that utilizes creative thinking and problem solving that goes beyond the typical diagnosis-based treatment pathways in order to reach maximal outcomes.
  • Establishes meaningful therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner.
  • Encompass a moderately complex foundation of knowledge in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial, and task specific functional tests and measures.
  • Assesses the needs for home equipment via clinical simulation and/or home evaluation to ensure the optimal functioning in the home environment.
  • Provides education for patients and family members in home exercise programs, transfer techniques, and in efficient care for the patient in a way that is clear and understandable by those involved.
  • Devises specific activities and routines to improve general state of health, functional abilities, physical fitness or conditioning, where it is absent or to restore it where it has been lost due to disease or disability.
  • Develops specific activities and routines to maintain or 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 therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities, which include orthopedic conditions, amputation, muscle weakness, chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, and patients with multiple diagnoses.
  • Incumbent strives to retard physical and mental deterioration, maintaining the highest degree of self-help and independence within the limitation of patient's disability.
  • Employs therapeutic objectives which are complex because of the severe and multiple disabilities encountered.
  • Unusual tact and skill are necessary to the success of the rehabilitation process.
  • Interprets and administers physician's exercise prescription, schedules patients for treatment and integrates Kinesiotherapy activities with other treatments in order to achieve the goals established for the patient. Reports to physicians patient reactions to treatment which have medical significance and diagnostic value.
  • Administers therapeutic exercise that strengthens debilitated muscles and teaches transfer activities and mobility training following prolonged bed rest, amputation, fractures, wounds, and joint replacement.
  • Establishes meaningful therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner. Completes appropriately timed re-evaluations for the patients and modifies the goals based on the information gained by re-evaluation.
  • Functions as a core team member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient and continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. As a member of the treatment team, maintains a working relationship with medical and allied health specialists to coordinate patient treatment to effect maximum rehabilitation potential.
  • Inputs scheduling data into hospital CPRS. Completes and documents initial evaluations, treatment interventions, re-evaluation, and discharge notes in accordance with PM&R Service and VA policy that cover the entire course of treatment.
  • Maintains competency with and integrates telehealth technologies into the treatment plans for Veteran patients as appropriate.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 51839F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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

Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
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-
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.

PLEASE NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) accredited college or University. (TRANSCRIPTS SUPPLIED)

Foreign Graduates - Graduates of foreign program must meet the Basic Education Requirements if they have a current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice kinesiotherapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth 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.
    • EXCEPTION: 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 )(8). Pursuant to 38 U.S.C § 7405(c)(2)(8), the appointment cannot exceed two years if the non-registered applicant's registration is pending with the COPSKT. Applicants who fail to obtain registration during this temporary full­ time appointment must be terminated. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered.
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 for Kinesiotherapist at the GS-7 Level:
  • GS-7 Experience/Education - No post-educational experience or education is required at the GS-7 level beyond the Basic Requirements.
  • Assignment. Individuals at this grade level serve as an entry level kinesiotherapist. The entry level kinesiotherapist receives guidance from more experienced staff members. They are responsible for but not limited to: examination, evaluation, treatment intervention, and prevention of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.
Grade Determinations for Kinesiotherapist at the GS-9 Level:
  • GS-09 Experience/Education: In addition to the Basic Requirements, a Kinesiotherapist at the GS-9 level must possess one (1) of the following:
    • at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level directly related to the position being filled -OR-
    • possess the education equivalent to two (2) 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 (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
    • Knowledge of policies and procedures of kinesiotherapy.
    • 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.
    • Knowledge of evaluation and assessment tools] in applying therapeutic techniques.
    • Skill in instructing patients and families in a [therapeutic] exercise program.
  • Assignment. Individuals at this grade level serve as developmental kinesiotherapists. They are responsible for examination, evaluation and treatment interventions that demonstrate a clear progression of clinical knowledge and experience by providing modified treatment interventions based on the patient's response (e.g. identifying individual risks, contra­indications, and advancement and progression of challenging treatment interventions) that utilize the application of innovative procedures and problem solving. Assignments at this level will include developmental duties of increasing scope and diversity as compared to the entry level. It is expected that kinesiotherapists at this grade, perform more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the entry level.
Grade Determinations for Kinesiotherapist at the GS-11 Level:- Registration Submitted
  • GS-11 Experience/Education: In addition to the Basic Requirements, a Kinesiotherapist at the GS-11 level must possess one (1) of the following:
    • at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level directly related to the position being filled -OR-
    • possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree -OR-
    • three (3) 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 (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
    • Skill in communicating and coordinating with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process.
    • Knowledge [of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to] a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities.
    • Ability to conduct independent assessments using highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests.
    • Knowledge of [learning principles, behavioral intervention, and innovational techniques for patient and caregiver education.
    • 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
    • Ability to use clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment and/or continuation of treatment.
  • Assignment. This is the full performance level. 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. 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.
SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR REFERENCES, PERFORMANCE LEVEL STATEMENTS, AND PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS.

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/.

Additional information

Physical Requirements: Kinesiotherapy is considered a vocation that requires "medium" work. Medium Work entails: exerting 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or or over) 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in the excess if those for Light Work. (i.e. more than exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

References: VA Handbook 5005/132, Part II Appendix G-21

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.

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. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.


Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other VA employees.
3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.

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:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • 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
  • Registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT.
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • 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 11/18/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12599675.

  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

Samantha Portuondo
Address
Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1601 Southwest Archer Road
Gainesville, FL 32608
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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