The Columbia VAMC is hiring a Kinesiotherapist! This position is located within the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program within GEC. The Rehabilitation Therapist utilizes knowledge, experience, and expertise to promote efficiency, and improved patient care, within the HBPC Program. Planning, coordinating, exercising professional judgment, initiating and implementing administrative and clinical decisions are integral components of this position.

Duties

Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Clinical 80%: Assures that a high degree of quality patient care is provided. Evaluates referred patients in their home for safety and for needed equipment to assist the patient to remain in a home setting. Independently exercises creativity in solving problems without direct supervisory guidance to meet the varying needs of the patients. Assists with assessment of the veteran's functional status and provides evaluation of the veteran's home for needed structural modifications to make the home environment safe and accessible. Assists the HBPC staff in establishing a therapeutic program for the veteran and caregiver to maintain or enhance function or retard deterioration in the veteran's functional status. Exercises independent professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex and frequent changes in treatment objectives. Treats patients referred by care providers using techniques in therapeutic exercises, muscle re-education, gait training, functional training (activities of daily living). Performs various tests such as manual muscle testing, range of motion, and/or balance testing. Communicates patient's treatment progress to clinical staff and patient's families. Assists in teaching the caregiver body mechanics to minimize the risk of injury. Attends and participates in interdisciplinary staff planning/discussions on patient care. Administrative 10% Maintains accurate patient records (periodic progress, treatment plan). Compiles statistical data regarding patient's visits, number of treatments, use of modalities and procedures for treatment on a daily/monthly basis. Submits supporting documentation for reports as requested (e.g., SERP, JCAHO, Management Briefing, Falls report). Inspects and tests equipment for good operating condition. Justifies need for new equipment and requests repairs through the appropriate channels. Follows infection control and safety procedures. Acts as a liaison between Prosthetics Department as well as Rehab Department and HBPC. Education 5%: Conducts exercise program to promote wellness and improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Conducts patient education sessions (film, handouts, lectures). Attends in-service educational programs. Leads treatment teams in review of outcomes data and special reports and assists in initiating action for improvement of team processes and specific care activities. Research 5%: Participates in treatment teams to review outcomes data and special reports and assists in initiating action for improvement of team processes and specific care activities. Reviews patient surveys within section to ascertain patient's satisfaction of care provided by HBPC. Participates in quality assuranceplans. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 0800-1630 Telework: 3+ days a week Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 58547F, 544-58549F, 544-53628F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. [Be a] citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)]. b. Education. (1) 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 (2) 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 (3) 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. All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. 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-07: (1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. [(2)] Assignment. Individuals at this grade level serve as [an entry level kinesiotherapist. The entry level kinesiotherapist receives guidance from more experienced staff members. They are responsible for but not limited to:] examination, evaluation, treatment intervention, and prevention of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. Grade Determinations GS-09: (1) Experience/Education. [One] year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or [education equivalent to] two full years of [progressively higher level] graduate education or a master's degree [from a university or college in the field of kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field.] (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of kinesiotherapy. (b) 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. (c) Knowledge of evaluation and assessment tools] in applying therapeutic techniques. (d) Skill in instructing patients and families in a [therapeutic] exercise program. Individuals at this grade level serve as developmental kinesiotherapists. They are responsible for 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. Grade Determinations GS-11: (1) Experience/[Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) [Skill in communicating and coordinating with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process]. (b) Knowledge [of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to] a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities. (c) [Ability to conduct independent assessments using highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests.] (d) Knowledge of [learning principles, behavioral intervention, and innovational] techniques [for patient and caregiver education. (e) 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. (f) Ability to use clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment and/or continuation of treatment. This is the full performance level for the kinesiotherapist. Kinesiotherapists independently conduct assessments and develop treatment plans to the complexity of the diagnosis or disability using appropriate functional tests and measurements according to established evidence-based professional practices. The kinesiotherapists provide integrated and progressive skilled rehabilitative treatment modalities across the continuum of care. Duties may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: pre- habilitation, acute, sub-acute, transitional, home-based, post rehabilitative, and wellness programs. Administer musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures in order to reach maximum outcomes. Coordinate and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care, employ multiple treatment approaches and to accomplish complex treatment objectives. The kinesiotherapist may perform duties such as, accurately test, analyze, evaluate, and record measurements of vitals, muscular strength, endurance, range of motion, coordination, static/dynamic balance, cardiovascular endurance, gait analysis, posture, gross sensory impairment, functional mobility, activities of daily living, and prosthetic and orthotic gait, care and training. Provide education to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals regarding policies and procedures for guidance to maneuver through the health care system. Kinesiotherapists monitor and report on work status, program quality, performance improvement data, and make recommendations for process improvement. References: VA Handbook 5005/132 Preferred Experience: Home care or one year of generic care experience. The incumbent must have a current, valid driver's license. All applicants must be registered in Kinesiotherapy in good standing with the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy may be GS-7, 9 or 11. Physical Requirements: The physical demands required in this position include driving a vehicle to patients' residents in various weather conditions; walking to and from vehicle in various weather conditions; climbing stairs; lifting medical bag and equipment (less than 20 lbs); stooping, kneeling, crouching, or reaching to examine patient or home environment; making phone calls and typing on computer.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript (displaying a conferred date) 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 Columbia VA Health Care System 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29209 US
• Name: Greta Kirby
• Email: [email protected]