The Kinesiotherapist, Clinical Specialist is a professional therapist primarily responsible for evaluating, planning and implementing the treatment program for patients with various disabilities and medical conditions within the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC). In addition, the Kinesiotherapist functions as a Clinical Specialist in the rehabilitation of acute and/or chronic orthopedic patients with complex medical and surgical diagnoses.

Duties

The therapist is responsible for developing and administering treatment programs to Veterans, Active Duty, Retired Military and their families in acute and long term care settings. The therapist independently plans, integrates and coordinates this comprehensive Kinesiotherapy program for inpatients and outpatients with orthopedic and other severe and acute physical disabilities. Major Functions: Clinical: Make changes to treatment based on patient response to treatment in a manner that utilizes creative thinking, evidence based practice and problem solving that goes beyond the typical diagnosis-based treatment pathways in order to reach maximal outcomes and patient rehab potential. Demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability in performing and providing complex procedures in the specialty area. Independently assesses patient's functional status, identifies needs, plans and administers a treatment program with ongoing reassessment in accordance with a physician's prescription and PM&RS Policies and Procedures. Accurately tests, analyzes, evaluates and records measurements of vital signs, muscular strength and endurance, joint range of motion, coordination, static and dynamic balance, cardiovascular endurance, gait analysis, posture and postural reflex reaction, gross sensory impairment, functional mobility, activities of daily living and prosthetic and orthotic gait, care and training Establishes meaningful and specific therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet established goals in the most efficient manner. Administers therapeutic exercise, teaches transfer activities, mobility exercises and gait training to a wide variety of disabilities and diagnosis, selects, adapts and/or fits prostheses and assistive devices in accordance with rehabilitation goals. Many more additional duties Communication Skills Demonstrates the teaching skills required to provide education to patients, families, employees, students and co-workers. Communication and interpersonal relations are effective, appropriate and courteous to both internal and external customers Performs competent written documentation following prescribed guidelines for initial evaluations and progress notes. Participates in multidisciplinary rounds and communicates both orally and in writing with medical and other allied health personnel to inform them of the patient's progress and seek multidisciplinary involvement in patient treatment so as to affect maximum rehabilitation potential and make appropriate discharge plans. Patient Education Discusses with patients and/or family the nature of the disability or disease and consults with them on assessment findings and treatment plan, to involve patients and/or family in the total management of their care and rehabilitation Provides patient/family education and training in home treatment/exercise programs, adaptive equipment and post-hospital adjustment in a way that is clear and understandable by those involved Administration Documents clearly and concisely the physical findings noted during assessment and treatment into the medical record. Accurately maintains encounter data and treatment documentation in keeping with PM&R and hospital-wide policies. Schedules clinic appointments using Electronic Health Record. Participates in PM&RS performance improvement activities and the Medical Center's performance improvement program. Maintains inventory and requests supplies and equipment when necessary. Serves as a Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Education/Personal Development Participates in service level staff meetings, service level education and plans and presents in-service training and educational programs to PM&R and other FHCC health professionals and staff. Is responsible for developing and upgrading Orthopedic Clinic Program content related to specialty. Involved in teaching students in various disciplines who are assigned clinical rotations in the PM&RS area. Serves as mentor to less experienced staff. Maintains a high level of professional competence through participation in continuing education such as attending workshops and conferences, and through continuous review of medical-therapeutic literature Customer Service Displays considerable tact and skill and overall cooperative attitude in dealing effectively with management, co-workers, patients and the general public and will effectively work together to implement the organization's mission and goals. Meets the needs of customers while supporting the Medical Center and Department's mission, vision and values. Ensures productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible. Work Schedule: To Be Determined Compressed/Flexible: Telework: Not Available for Telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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: 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).] US 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. *Foreign Graduates. Graduates of a foreign program must meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current registration to practice kinesiotherapy in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) 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/License: All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. Grade Determinations: Specialized Experience GS-12: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level (may include, but not limited to: specialized knowledge and demonstrated clinical competence related to a particular diagnosis, patient population, or treatment area and has an increased depth and breadth of practice skills. Experience with acute and/or chronic orthopedic patients. Experience in planning, scheduling and training of staff, nursing staff, programs and professional development. Experience demonstrating skills and techniques in a specialty area and/or specific population who have varying degrees of highly complex diagnosis. In addition to the experience and/or education listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs to be appointed at the GS-12 grade level: (a) Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area within the last 5 years; or (b) Certification in the specialty area from an accreditation body approved by COPSKT; or (c) An additional advanced degree in a related field; or (d) Completion of a fellowship program. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) GS-12: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge [in a range] of specialized [interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of kinesiotherapy. (b) Ability to serve as a consultant/mentor for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized area of kinesiotherapy. (c) Skill to perform and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty area. (d) Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current kinesiotherapy theory, recent research, and evidence- based practice. 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-12. Physical Requirements: This position is typically not sedentary, and frequently involves being in the standing position, reaching, walking, bending, lifting, and pulling. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently to move objects. This could include moving objects such as pieces of equipment and assistance in moving patients.

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 Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60064 US
• Name: Ralph Abueg
• Phone: 858 552 8585 X72611
• Email: [email protected]