The massage therapist treats a wide range of conditions. Massage therapy may be used alone or as an adjunct to standard medical care. Massage therapy is the manual assessment and manipulation of the superficial soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purpose and encompasses a large variety of techniques from Western and Eastern traditions.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: The massage therapist will utilize standard medical history procedures and massage evaluation to formulate musculoskeletal assessments and treatment plans. Incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. Performs massage therapy services of greater complexity with limited supervision and coordinate follow up care as indicated. Changes linen between patients, refills oils, cleans massage table/chair/arm rest, and provides a clean, calm environment. Provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. Educates patients on healthy lifestyle including hydration, basic nutrition, stretching, exercise, mind-body techniques, sleep habits, stress management and other matters related to massage therapy care. Mentors other staff in best massage therapy practices. Under routine academic oversight, assists with clinical supervision of massage therapy students. Uses various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes. Document and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. Reviews patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to others services when necessary. Work Schedule: Two (2) days per week, 7:00am to 5:30pm. Work schedule will be discussed during the interview process. Telework: Not 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

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: (a) United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. (b) Education. Candidates must complete a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program. (c) Licensure, Registration, or Certification. Candidates must be currently licensed, registered, or certified to practice as a massage therapist in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Acceptable credentials must have required successful completion of a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination, or equivalent state-issued examination. OR, Candidates must possess and maintain a board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). NOTE: As of the date of this standard, several states do not offer a credential in massage therapy. Additionally, some states offer a credential that does not meet the 500-hour education program and/or state-issued examination requirements described above in subparagraph (1). Candidates may satisfy the basic requirement of licensure/certification/registration by possessing and maintaining a board certification from the NCBTMB. Exception. Non-certified applicants, who have pending registrations or licensures in a state, or a certification by a national board recognized by the Secretary, and otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment as a Graduate Health Technician (Massage Therapy), under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Failure to obtain licensure/registration/certification during this period may result in termination of employment. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign massage therapy programs that require a minimum 500-hour education program are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license, registration, or certification, as described above, or by maintaining a board certification from the NCBTMB. 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: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-5 - Entry Level Requirements: (a) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-6 - Developmental Level Requirements: (a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of progressive experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. Equivalent experience includes: performing basic massage therapy services under close supervision; independently applying basic massage services including but not limited to effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement/percussion, friction, vibration, passive and active stretching, and draping; changing linen between clients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment; promoting and educating patients in the health and wellness benefits of massage, and developing therapeutic relationships with patient/family/significant others by demonstrating sensitivity and respect for a patient's personal beliefs. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or assistance. Any unusual patient interactions are documented and immediately reported to the supervisor. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Skill to provide massage techniques including draping, using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient; Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, therapeutic effects, and evidence based practice of massage therapy; Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team in a health care setting; Knowledge of all patient safety procedures, rules, and regulations as they pertain to a clinical environment; and Ability to effectively communicate verbally/non-verbally and in writing (through a variety of modalities). Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-7 - Full Performance Level Requirements: (a) Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of progressive experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level. Equivalent experience includes: performing treatments which are routine and standardized in nature; providing treatments in various inpatient and outpatient settings, in accordance with applicable policies and procedures; and performing a substantially full range of duties, but receives guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to assess the physical and mental status of patients (including history and physical assessment), interpret the appropriate information to identify each patient's population-specific needs, identify indications/contraindications for massage, develop the plan of care, and monitor their response to treatment; Ability to use various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes; Skill in developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships; and iv. Ability to advise staff and students in massage therapy practices. Preferred Experience: Licensed massage therapist with 5 years of experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/108 PART II APPENDIX G56 he full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-7

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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 Fargo VA Medical Center 2101 Elm Street Fargo, ND 58102 US
• Name: Megan Noe
• Phone: (724) 285-2259
• Email: [email protected]