Kinesiotherapist

This is an open and continuous announcement which is located at the Dayton VA Medical Center, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Applications will be reviewed and referred upon request from the service as vacancies arise. 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. 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.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: GS-7: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. 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. 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 requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: GS-7: no additional KSAs required GS-9: (a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of kinesiotherapy. (b) 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. (c) Knowledge of evaluation and assessment tools] in applying therapeutic techniques. (d) Skill in instructing patients and families in a [therapeutic] exercise program. GS-11: (a) [Skill in communicating and coordinating with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process]. (b) Knowledge [of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to] a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities. (c) [Ability to conduct independent assessments using highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests.] (d) Knowledge of [learning principles, behavioral intervention, and innovational] techniques [for patient and caregiver education. (e) 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. (f) 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, Part 11, Appendix G-21 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: Work includes regular and recurring physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching gripping, and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment. Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work. Work may require physical stamina, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity. ["Major duties include but not limited to: Responsible for evaluating, planning and implementing a treatment program for patients with various disabilities and medical conditions in accordance with a physician's prescription. Accurately tests, analyzes, evaluates and records measurements of vital signs, muscular strength and endurance, joint range of motion, coordination, static and dynamic balance, cardiovascular endurance, gait analysis, posture and postural reflex reaction, gross sensory impairment, functional mobility, activities of daily living and prosthetic and orthotic gait, care and training. Establishes meaningful therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan based on assessment data, physician's orders, patient's goals, and family/caregiver input to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner. Administers therapeutic exercise, teaches transfer activities, mobility exercises and gait training to a wide variety of disabilities and diagnosis, selects, adapts and/or fits assistive devices in accordance with rehabilitation goals. Evaluates for and documents FIM rating, MDS, Care plans, etc. per joint commission /long term survey, and CARF/Rehab mandates. Discusses the nature of the disability or disease with patients and/or their family and consults with them on assessment findings and treatment plan so as to involve them in the total rehabilitation management of the case. Provides patient/family education and training in home treatment/exercise programs, adaptive equipment and ways to integrate physical activity into the community that is understandable by those involved. Accurately maintains encounter data and treatment documentation in keeping with PM&R and hospital-wide policies. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m - 4:00 p.m Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91719-0 / 91720-0 / 91125-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.