Summary

A staff Kinesiotherapist (KT) functions primarily in a clinical capacity in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&R). In accordance with PM&R policies - the incumbent will be assigned to both Outpatient Clinic and the Community Living Center rehabilitation program the involves evaluation and treatment of rehabilitation patients and long term care residents.

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
• 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.(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 Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (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
• GRADE DETERMINATIONS: [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: (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
• [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: (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 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.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: [(1) 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
• (2)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
• (3)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
• [(4) 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
• Preferred Experience: A bachelors degree or higher in exercise science - kinesiology - human performance or a related field to the health care mission - as well as research experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• 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: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over - Use of fingers - both hands required - Reaching above shoulder - Walking (8 hours) - Standing (8 hours) - Both legs required (1 prosthetic) - Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other - Ability to distinguish basic colors - Ability to distinguish shades of colors - Hearing (Aid permitted) - and mental and emotional stability.

Duties

• Major Duties include but are not limited to: Clinical: Develops - organizes and administers KT programs to provide therapeutic treatment to patients in various areas including but not limited to general medicine - surgical - spinal cord injury - wheeled mobility clinic - PM&RS team representative - aquatic and a variety of specialty clinics (example: knee clinic - back school etc.)
• Responsible for the provision of Kinesiotherapy services within Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and following all policies and procedures
• Administers kinesiotherapy programs to referred veterans
• Synthesizes medical record information through chart review - reviews therapy prescription - and conducts physical evaluation of patients to develop and implement a plan of care
• Creates specific activities and routines to maintain or improve the general state of health - physical fitness or conditioning where it is absent or to restore it where it has been lost to disease or disability
• Designs therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities which include but are not limited to orthopedic conditions - amputations - muscle weakness - chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease - neurological diseases - and patients with multiple diagnoses
• Coordinates the overall treatment plan with the veteran/family and or caregiver to provide a program which focuses on treatment goals
• Coordinates prosthetic and sensory aids services (PSAS) requests for veterans to provide devices that assist in ambulation and/or functional activities of daily living
• Functions as a core team member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient and the continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information
• Monitors patient progress - status and reevaluate performances to assure treatment objectives are attained continuously
• Modifies treatment plans according to evaluative findings on an ongoing basis to meet short and long-term goals
• Communicates clearly and timely with the multidisciplinary treatment team - advising the team of patient's needs and progress - exchanging discharge planning information with them
• This communication occurs through team meetings - ward rounds - written reports - and informal communication - such as personal - digital dialogue and telephone conversations
• Plans and implements appropriate patient education programs - involving the veteran - family members and caregivers in the instructional process
• Responsible for the care - upkeep - and sanitation of equipment used
• Administrative: Documents all notes following medical center and departmental guidelines
• Works with the team for scheduling of patients for treatment - considering priority and frequency of care and coordinates schedules with other members to optimize plan of care and goals
• Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients and for family conferences
• Maintains accurate records - attendance - progress - and final disposition - and submits necessary monthly and quarterly information
• Attends and participates in all mandatory departmental staff meetings and training sessions
• Supports CARF and The Joint Commission Accreditation efforts by working with supervisor on tasks as assigned
• Assists with orientation of new staff members and trainees
• Educational: Educates departmental trainees as needed on the role of KT
• Continually seeks to improve knowledge and skill by review of current literature - participation in in-service training - and attendance at continuing education programs especially in their clinical area
• Attends clinical training and professional development courses that include current - evidence-based practice that is relevant to the area of treatment
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Functional Statement #: 512-25564-F - 512-25551-F - 512-25552-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized