The Pittsburgh VA is hiring for a Health Technician in Massage Therapy for its H.J. Heinz, University Drive, and Monroeville locations. The Health Technician in the Massage Therapy occupation, provides clinical services that address a vast array of problems impacting the health and function of a diverse patient population.

Duties

Duties for this position include, but are not limited to: Utilizing 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 which includes but is not limited to reflexology, injury rehabilitation, lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release and /or craniosacral work. The massage therapist will provide services to specialty populations such as pain management, surgery, pulmonary, rheumatology, palliative care, mental health, oncology and other various clinical/environmental settings as appropriate with limited supervision; and coordinate follow up care as indicated. The massage therapist is responsible for changing linen between patients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment. Advanced education and skills to perform myo-facial release physical therapy to treat myofascial pain syndrome; a type of soft tissue therapy used to release physically restricted musculoskeletal groups. Advanced education and skills to provide Lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage massage is a Complimentary and Integrative Health technique used to help increase lymph flow. Increased lymph flow improves immune function and removes harmful substances from the tissues to be neutralized in the nodes. The modality is often used for upper and lower respiratory symptoms/infections and sports injuries. Advanced education and skills regarding mind/body practices which use slow, intentional movements coordinated with breath and focused attention to improve chronic pain, balance, fall risk, muscle strength, flexibility and quality of life. Examples include but not limited to Qigong, Tai Chi, and/or Yoga. Provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. The massage therapist educates patients on healthy lifestyle including hydration, stretching, exercise, mind-body techniques and other matters related to massage therapy care Documents and codes information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. The massage therapist functions as a member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. Maintains up to date with VHA and professional trainings for massage therapy, myo-facial release treatment and Qigong/ Tai chi. Participates in research and quality improvement activities related to massage therapy, myo-facial release treatment and Qigong/ Tai chi. 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, quality of care and performance improvement. Reviews 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: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm *Please note, this is a developing program and will require travel in the Pittsburgh/Monroeville area. Hiring manager will discuss with potential candidates during interview process. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Individuals appointed under the 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 have completed a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program. Licensure, Registration, or Certification: (1) 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, (2) Candidates must possess and maintain a board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (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: The following information is for a Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-8 Level: Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, as a Health Technician Massage Therapist, candidates must possess one year of progressive experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. Equivalent experience at this level may include, but are not limited to; independently assessing the physical and mental status of patients, taking complete patient history and performs a physical assessment, and interprets relevant clinical information to identify each patient's individual needs to develop the plan of care. Health Technicians (Massage Therapy), at this level, are responsible to perform massage therapy services with complexity higher than the developmental level. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) performs duties with limited supervision and seeks assistance from the supervisor in urgent or emergent circumstances, evaluates patient responses to treatment and documents responses to treatment, by maintaining accurate records in an electronic environment. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) coordinates follow up massage therapy as necessary, consults with the health care team in the evaluation and treatment of the patient. Under routine academic oversight, they assist with clinical supervision of massage therapy students. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: 1. Skill in providing advanced massage techniques using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient. 2. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to massage therapy within specialty population(s). 3. Ability to modify massage therapy techniques based on an understanding of specialty populations, and various clinical/environmental settings. 4. Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles. 5. Ability to conduct research and quality improvement activities, related to massage therapy. 6. Knowledge of complementary integrative health, and holistic health principles. Preferred Experience: Previous experience working with veterans Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-8. Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, lifting up to 40 pounds.

Education

*Candidates must have completed a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program.

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 Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Ashley Bethke
• Phone: 412-822-1956
• Email: [email protected]