Kinesiotherapists are allied health professionals competent in the administration of scientifically based musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial, and task specific functional tests and measures combined with evidence-based modalities and interventions within the scope of practice for kinesiotherapy and scope of standards for kinesiotherapy. 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-12. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy) English Language Proficiency. Candidates appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. Education. Candidates must meet at least one of the following educational requirements below: (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 Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (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). 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. Grandfathering Provision: Applicants 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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates: GS-12 Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist) Candidates at the GS-12 grade level must possess: Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level conducting assessments and developing treatment plans using appropriate functional tests and measurements according to established evidence-based professional practices, providing integrated and progressive skilled rehabilitative treatment modalities across the continuum of care, administering musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures, coordinating and collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care, employ multiple treatment approaches and to accomplish complex treatment objectives, testing, analyzing, evaluating, and recording measurements of vitals, muscular strength, endurance, range of motion, coordination, static/dynamic balance, cardiovascular endurance, gait analysis, posture, gross sensory impairment, functional mobility, activities of daily living, and prosthetic and orthotic gait, care and training, and providing education to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals regarding policies and procedures for guidance to maneuver through the health care system. In addition to the experience requirement, candidates must have 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate all 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: Specialty certification from Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA ) and/or 3+ years experience or evidence of trainings and education in the field of assistive technology, home modifications, and/or seating and mobility prescription. References: VA Handbook 5005/132 Part II Appendix G21 Physical Requirements: Incumbents must be able to: do heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), have use of fingers (both hands required), reach above their shoulder, walk and stand (for 8 hours), and have use of both legs (prosthetic is permitted). Far vision must be correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye; must have the ability to distinguish basic colors and to distinguish shades of colors. Must have hearing (aid is permitted), and mental and emotional stability. ["The Kinesiotherapist (KT) assigned to this position will serve as a subject matter expert for assistive technology (AT) for the Washington DC VAMC (DCVAMC). The KT is assigned to the Physical Therapy/Kinesiotherapy Department within Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS). The incumbent will utilize advanced knowledge of contemporary kinesiotherapy across multiple areas of practice to provide clinical guidance about assistive technology to health care practitioners (both inside and outside the DCVAMC). In collaboration with the team, the KT will develop protocols and procedures specific to assistive technology related issues that is current and evidence based. The incumbent will also plan, implement, and coordinate comprehensive kinesiotherapy services for adult and geriatric veterans who have complex medical, neurological, orthopedic, psychological and other disorders. This position specifically assesses need for and trains/educates veterans in adaptive aides, seating systems, and other major medical equipment, including assistive technology devices, in multiple settings. Due to the described program management involved, the KT will have some PM&R administrative time as it relates to developing and implementing the program. However, most of the time will be spent in clinical care. Clinical Duties: Evaluates patients' abilities and functional limitations, develops treatment plans and administers appropriate therapy program. Documents initial plan, interim progress, and final summaries in patient's electronic record. Assesses need for adaptive aides, seating systems, and other major equipment, including assistive technology devices. KT formulates individualized prescription for pertinent items and trains patients in their use. Customized devices are fabricated as necessary. Provides treatment plans and follow up. Performs home evaluations as needed for accessibility and safety, making recommendations for structural modifications, as well as adaptive and assistive technology needs. KT assesses patients' functional mobility on public transportation and in community facilities. Coordinates care plan with interdisciplinary team, making referrals as needed. Triages referrals to wheeled mobility clinic and performs screening intake calls. Provides cross coverage to other areas of KT as needed based on evolving clinical needs. Educational Duties: Supervises and trains kinesiotherapy students. KT assists in development and upgrading of training program content. Acts as the subject matter expert to other staff regarding assistive technology matters; providing staff education and guidance to PMRS clinicians and other health care professionals regarding assistive technology. Provides education and training to family members and caregivers regarding patients' functional status, and operation and maintenance of equipment, including assistive technology devices. Attends and participates in section and program in-services, healthcare system educational offerings, professional conferences and workshops. Shares gained knowledge, improved methods or techniques with other KT/ATP staff. Administrative Duties: Develops forms and maintenance of treatment guidelines, data collection, and patient education. Leads/Co-leads the Interdisciplinary Care team as it relates to assistive technology and wheeled mobility prescription. Supports the coordination of resources among departments to ensure smooth operations and clinical services. Maintains patient attendance records and other required statistics/metrics required by the service/depts. Completes and submits reports as requested by the supervisor. Facilitates consult management as defined by service/program requirements. Supports and actively participates in ongoing accreditation and performance improvement efforts (eg, CARF, the Joint commission). Shares responsibility for clinic environment and maintenance. Submits requests for clinic supplies and materials. Supports and actively participates in ongoing outcome data management processes. Remains current on policies and procedures around government purchasing. Actively participates in process improvement efforts with leadership and administrative staff to improve clinical and administrative efficiency. Participates in appropriate hospital and department committees (ex: MMEC). Provides customer service recovery as needed in a timely manner. Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday to Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: 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"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
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.
