The incumbent works in the Cardiology Department of the Hospital and Subspecialty Medicine Service at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) in Nashville, TN. The incumbent will be responsible for delivery of care to Veterans for a Home-Based Cardiac Rehab program modeled after traditional outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services.
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. Education and Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program, with a concentration/emphasis in Kinesiotherapy. (2) 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. (3) 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. 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). 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). All persons employed in VHA as a Kinesiotherapist on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates. GS-11 Kinesiotherapist (Full Performance) Requirements: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Skill in communicating and coordinating with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process]. Knowledge [of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to] a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities. 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. 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. Ability to use clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment and/or continuation of treatment. Preferred Experience: Cardiac Rehabilitation experience The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The incumbent of the position will meet and maintain physical program requirements for the position as required. Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, straight pulling, pulling hand over hand, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other, emotional and mental stability.
MAJOR DUTIES include but are not limited to: Independently interpret the physician treatment plan and evaluate patients using standard and nonstandard procedures and techniques appropriate for diagnosis to establish a baseline function. Will design an exercise treatment plan based on their analysis of initial patient assessment, chart review, six-minute walk test (performed prior to discharge) and patient preferences and goals. Physical ability assessments include screening for cardiac risk factors that would influence ability to actively participate and ensure necessary work-up prior to program start. Performs an initial patient interview including assessment for admitting diagnosis, present illness and clinical status, current signs and symptoms, past medical history, social history, employment status, risk factors for coronary artery disease and chronic diseases, comorbidities, alcohol or substance abuse and identification of support systems for future health behavior change and medical issues and performing six-minute walk test. Monitor patient use of home equipment and their physical response to exercise, including documentation of adverse events as necessary. Physical response to exercise will include time, heart rate, blood pressure, symptoms and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) recorded by patient. Works effectively with patient family/team members and other health care providers in meeting patient treatment goals. Consults with program director and supervisor for coordination and collaboration of patient care. Performs an initial chart review to verify diagnosis and current medical status, identify cardiovascular risk factors in order to begin planning education and interventions and determine the existence of any comorbidities or complications that may increase the risk of a recurrent cardiac event. Develop and implement ongoing, individualized therapy treatment programs. Treatment programs will include measurable or time specific goals with reevaluation and alteration of treatment plan as necessary based upon patient progress, specific needs and cultural diversity. Evaluate daily log maintained by patient. Incumbent will use this information to modify and optimize exercise plan to achieve stated goals. Incumbent will be responsible for all Cardiac Rehab administrative duties, including scheduling all appointments, comprising of initial patient interview as well as all follow-up appointments to complete the program, as well as completing all encounters, progress notes and consults associated with the Cardiac Rehab program. Compile and submit Cardiac Rehab program progress, participation and status reports as established by supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 71032-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized