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. 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. ["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"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
