This position is in the Kinesiotherapy Section of the Rehabilitation Care Line at the VA Medical Center Chillicothe Ohio. The Clinical Specialist, Kinesiotherapist (KT) is above full performance level for a KT and is an experienced KT with knowledge of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in specialized treatment area of kinesiotherapy.
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: Kinesiotherapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). 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 Council of Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (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 4b 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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates. Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist), GS-12: Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11); examples of this experience include, but are not limited to: 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 multiple disabilities; Ability to conduct independent assessments using highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests; 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 and one of the following: (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: 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. Preferred Experience: Amputee Specialization. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-12. Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, stretch, reach, twist, tug, pull, stoop and kneel. The work requires varied periods of walking and sitting. The employee must occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Veteran's mental and physical status will require the employee to be able to assist patients during treatment modalities. Spatial abilities such as but not limited to near and far vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and visual focus. The incumbent must obtain and maintain American Heart Association Heart Code BSL certification.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Administers clinical evaluations, upon receipt of a prescription from a qualified physician, using specialized skills and medical knowledge in reference to the patients' medical condition. Assembles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescriptions, and conducts physical evaluation of the patients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan. Independently develops therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities, diseases, illnesses and co-morbidities, which include but are not limited to orthopedic conditions, amputation, muscle weakness, chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, and patients with multiple diagnoses. Establishes meaningful therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner. Responsible for education patient and/or family for the use and features of issued equipment needs and ensuring proper body mechanics and safety. Provides education for patients and family members in home exercise programs, transfer techniques, or other mobility or lifestyle modification, and in efficient care for the patient in a way that is clear and understandable for those involved. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 930520 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized