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Kinesiotherapist

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Closing date
Dec 11, 2020
Duties

Summary

Kinesiotherapist - Float

The Kinesiotherapist is a professional therapist that uses scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with functional limitations to those requiring extended physical conditioning.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities for the position include but are not limited to the following:
  • Interprets and administers, upon receipt of a prescription for a qualified physician, using specialized skills and medical knowledge in the evaluation of the patients' medical condition.
  • Coordinates the scheduling of patient treatment with other PM&RS therapists, the interdisciplinary team, and nursing staff as appropriate.
  • Assembles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information reviews therapy prescriptions, and conducts physical evaluation of patients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan.
  • Devises specific care plans for skilled rehabilitation and/or wellness activities.
  • Incumbent strives to retard physical and mental deterioration, maintaining the highest degree of self-help and independence within the limitation of patient's disability.
  • Determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the patient, a goal specific treatment plan. Establishing these therapeutic objectives can be complex because of the server and multiple disabilities encountered.
  • Identifies the need for modifications to the treatment intervention based on the patient response to treatment in a manner that utilizes creative thinking and problem solving the 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.
  • Completes appropriately timed re-evaluations for the patients and modifies the goals based on the information gained by the re-evaluation.
  • Incumbent reports to physician's patient reactions to treatment, which have medical significance and diagnostic value.
  • Encompass a moderately complex foundation of knowledge in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures.
  • Independently develops therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities, which include but are not limited to orthopedic conditions, amputation, muscle weakness, chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, and patients with multiple diagnoses.
  • Assesses the needs for home equipment, durable medical equipment, and/or assistive technology as appropriate via clinical simulation and/or home evaluation to ensure 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 for those involved.
  • 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. The therapist participates in ward rounds with ward physicians and other members of the treatment team. He/she explains and discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of Kinesiotherapy treatment and therapeutic techniques with various groups within the medical center.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 04:30pm
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
11

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to a background/security investigation
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process


Qualifications

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:
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.
NOTE: See Exception below
    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)(B). Pursuant to 38 U.S.C § 7405(c)(2)(B), the appointment cannot exceed two years if the non-registered applicant's registration is pending with the COPSKT. 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. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of a foreign program must meet the requirements in subparagraph above 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. Loss of Credential. Registered kinesiotherapists who fail to continue their registration in good standing, and maintain the required registration, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

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).
    Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a Kinesiotherapist on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
  • Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
  • Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  • Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or license/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
  • Kinesiotherapists who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision, and subsequently leave the occupation, will lose their protected status, and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
    • English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

    Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates.
    Kinesiotherapist, GS-7
    Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

    Kinesiotherapist, GS-9
    Experience/Education: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or [education equivalent to] two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's degree from a university or college in the field of kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field.
    Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
  • 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.

  • Kinesiotherapist, GS-11
    Experience/Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field.
    Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • 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.
  • References: VA Handbook 5005/132, Appendix G-21, Kinesiotherapist Qualification Standard dated July 16, 2020.

    The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11.

    Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds, moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shards of colors, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, and working closely with others.

    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

    This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

    It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

    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.

    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.

    If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

    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.

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Other

    Drug test required
    No

    Position sensitivity and risk
    Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

    Trust determination process
    Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

    Required Documents

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

    • VA 10-2850c
    • Resume
    • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
    • Transcript


    VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search . REQUIRED

    SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
    • Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
    • An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
    • Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
    Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
        • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
        • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
        • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.


    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 (VA)
    • VA 10-2850c
    • COPSKT registration
    • Other (3)
    • Resume
    • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
    • Transcript


    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.

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