The massage therapist performs manual assessment and manipulation of the superficial soft tissues of skin, muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia, and the structures that lie within the superficial tissues that addresses a vast array of problems impacting the health and function of a diverse patient population. The work requires the application of knowledge of therapeutic massage concepts, principles, and practices, and encompasses a large variety of modalities from Western and Eastern traditions.

Duties

Massage Therapy promotes circulation of blood and lymph, relieves muscle tension, and can induce a general relaxation response, alleviate pain and anxiety, promote sleep, reduce stress, and enhance the general sense of wellness. Employees in this occupation may utilize appropriate tools and the external applications of water, heat, and cold to enhance therapeutic benefits. Employees in this occupation incorporate knowledge of various systems of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to apply a plan of care for those with a variety of soft tissue dysfunctions, stress related conditions, and imbalances. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: 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. Basic massage therapy includes, but is not limited, to effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement/percussion, friction, vibration, passive and active stretching, and draping. Massage therapists may utilize mechanical tools and the external applications of water, heat, and cold to enhance therapeutic benefits. Massage therapists incorporate knowledge of various systems of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to apply a plan of care for those with a variety of soft tissue dysfunctions, stress related conditions and imbalances, utilizing a variety of techniques commonly taught in massage therapy schools. Provide individualized massage therapy treatment- Utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. The massage therapist incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. The massage therapist provides advanced massage therapy services of greater complexity applied to specialty populations in various clinical/environmental settings with limited supervision and coordinate follow up care as indicated. Provide massage therapy instruction, education, and mentoring- Provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. The massage therapist 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. Complete clinical notes in electronic health record system- Document, and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. Consent shall be completed prior to treatment in accordance with local requirements. The massage therapist functions as a member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. Maintain trainings and attend required meetings- Maintain up to date with VHA and professional trainings. Required professional meetings must be attended. Research and quality improvement- Participates in research and quality improvement activities related to massage therapy. The massage therapist is required to use various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes. The massage therapist is responsible for identifying, collecting, and analyzing aggregate patient care information to ensure safety and quality of care. Administration-Review patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to other services when necessary. The massage therapist is the subject matter expert on massage therapy and related body work services and will provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care. Work Schedule: M-F 7:30-4:30

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. English Language Proficiency: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education : Education: Candidates must complete a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program. Education. 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). 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. Loss of Credential: An employee who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which 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 in subparagraph 3.c., 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: GS-7 Health Technician (Message Therapy) -Full performance Education, Experience, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level, and demonstrate all the KSAs below: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. 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; 2. Ability to use various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes; 3. Skill in developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships; and 4. Ability to advise staff and students in massage therapy practices. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G56 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VA Northern California Health Care System 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 US
• Name: Charmaine Runne
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]