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.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities for the position include but are not limited to the following: Administers clinical evaluations, upon receipt of a prescription from a qualified physician, using specialized skills and medical knowledge in reference to the patients'/clients' medical condition. Assembles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescriptions, and conducts physical evaluation of patients/clients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan. Establishes therapeutic objectives of which can be complex because of the server and multiple disabilities or co-morbidities encountered. Completes appropriately timed re-evaluations for the patients and modifies the goals based on the information gained by the re-evaluation. Establishes and maintains a continuous and systematic process of curriculum development, assessment, review, revision, evaluation and implementation of the MOVE! weight management program at the McGuire/Richmond VAMC. Serves as physical activity contact and resource for MOVE! specialists throughout the facility. Educates patients and other appropriate stakeholders with MOVE! curricula or other evidence-based materials as appropriate. Counsels and coaches veterans and their families in an inpatient and outpatient setting to promote health and wellness through weight control. Reports to physician and/or medical team patient reactions to treatment, which have medical significance and diagnostic value. Applies a moderately complex foundation of knowledge in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures. Assesses the needs for assistive technology, adaptive, mobility, and home equipment via clinical simulation and/or home evaluation to ensure optimal functioning in the home or proposed discharge environment. Assembles, demonstrates, and fits appropriate assistive and mobility devices, adaptive equipment, or home equipment to ensure safe and appropriate use. Incumbent is responsible for educating patient/client and/or family for the use and features of issued equipment needs and ensuring proper body mechanics and safety. Provides education for patients/clients and family members in home exercise programs, transfer techniques, or other mobility or lifestyle modification, 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 MOVE! or supporting multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient/client and continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. Conducts individual and group lead sessions for education or other appropriate KT interventions that may be conducted in-person or via virtual health options. Maintains a working relationship with medical and allied health specialists to coordinate patient treatment to effect maximum rehabilitation and lifestyle wellness potential. Participates in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary rounds with physicians and other members of the treatment team. Explains and discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of Kinesiotherapy treatment and therapeutic techniques with various groups within the medical center. Documents clearly and concisely the physical findings during evaluations which include initial evaluations, treatment interventions, re-evaluation and discharge notes in accordance with PM&R Service and DVA policy that cover the entire course of treatment. Utilizes documentation and coding practices to maximize reimbursement potential by following coding and reimbursement standards. Records workload and billable coding in current and appropriate system as directed by supervisor in compliance with local and national policies and procedures. Uses computer software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting receiving e-mail. Uses the Veterans Health Information and technology Architecture and Computerized Patient Record System (VISTA and CPRS) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System. Coordinates the scheduling of patient treatment with other PM&RS therapists, the interdisciplinary team, and nursing staff as appropriate. Conducts telehealth consultations as appropriate for individualized, group, or medical consultation. Inputs information into inpatient scheduling roster per policy and/or maintains outpatient schedule within scheduling directive guidelines. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm; Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

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. 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. 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. 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: Kinesiotherapists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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-7 EXPERIENCE: No specialized experience required beyond the educational, registration and language requirements listed above under Basic Requirements. GS-9 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: You must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level including, but not limited to: examination, evaluation, treatment intervention, and prevention of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities; OR two full years of graduate education (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED); OR a master's degree from a university or college in the field of kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the specialized 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. GS-11 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: You must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level including but not limited to: 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, contra-indications, and advancement and progression of challenging treatment interventions) that utilize the application of innovative procedures and problem solving; OR, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED); OR, three academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the specialized experience 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G21. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: May engage in the following activities/positions/tasks as defined: Lifting/Carrying up to 45 lbs intermittently, frequent walking, standing and sitting. Occasional stooping, kneeling, overhead reaching, fine manipulation pushing and/or pulling. Occasional operation of a motor vehicle may be required.

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.

Contacts

• Address Central Virginia VA Health Care System 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249 US
• Name: Ryan Leash
• Phone: 980-401-2554
• Email: [email protected]