Health Technician (Massage Therapy) at this level perform basic massage therapy services under close supervision. This assignment carries responsibility for providing physical therapy evaluation and treatment to veteran patients according to the Amarillo VAHCS CBOCs mission and Whole Health guidelines.
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: Candidates must complete 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). NOTE: As of the date of this standard, several states do not offer a credential in massage therapy. Additionally, some states offer a credential that does not meet the 500-hour education program and/or state-issued examination requirements described above in subparagraph 3.c.(1). Candidates may satisfy the basic requirement of licensure/certification/registration by possessing and maintaining a board certification 3 from the NCBTMB. Exception: Non-certified applicants, who have pending registrations or licensures in a state, or a certification by a national board recognized by the Secretary, and otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment as a Graduate Health Technician (Massage Therapy), under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Failure to obtain licensure/registration/certification during this period may result in termination of employment. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign massage therapy programs that require a minimum 500-hour education program are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license, registration, or certification, or by maintaining a board certification from the NCBTMB. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service, paragraph 2. 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. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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, at this grade level, and meet the criteria). Preferred Experience: 1.) 5+ years of Massage Therapist experience. 2.) 1+ years of VHA Massage Therapist experience. 3.) Medical Massage Therapy certification. Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-8 - Advanced Clinical Level Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of progressive experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. For Reference Assignments at the GS-7 grade level: Health Technicians (Massage Therapy) independently assess the physical and mental status of patients. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) takes complete patient history and performs a physical assessment. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) interprets relevant clinical information to identify each patient's population-specific needs, identify indications/contraindications for massage, and 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. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) 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. Health Technicians (Massage Therapy), at this level, serve as consultants to the health care team in the evaluation and treatment of the patient. Under routine academic oversight, the Health Technician (Massage Therapy) assists with clinical supervision of massage therapy students. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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; and 6.). Knowledge of complementary integrative health, and holistic health principles. Reference can be found at the VA Qualification Repository, VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) GS-0640 Health Technician (Massage Therapy) dated March 12, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: The position will require heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); light carrying (under 15 lbs); straight pulling/pushing (<1 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; repeated bending; walking/standing/crawling/kneeling (>1 hours); climbing, legs only; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, vision with corrective lenses; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted). mental and emotional stability.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) Advanced Clinical Level massage therapist treats a wide range of conditions. Massage therapy may be used alone or as an adjunct to standard medical care. Massage therapy is the manual assessment and manipulation of the superficial soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purpose and encompasses a large variety of techniques from Western and Eastern traditions. Basic massage therapy includes, but is not limited, to effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement/percussion, friction, vibration, passive and active stretching, and draping. Massage therapists may utilize mechanical tools and the external applications of water, heat, and cold to enhance therapeutic benefits. Massage therapists incorporate knowledge of various systems of anatomy, physiology and pathology to apply a plan of care for those with a variety of soft tissue dysfunctions, stress related conditions and imbalances, utilizing a variety of techniques commonly taught in massage therapy schools. Functions: Utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. Incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. Provides advanced massage therapy services of greater complexity applied to specialty populations in various clinical/environmental settings with limited supervision and coordinate follow up care as indicated. Responsible for changing linen between patients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment. Provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. Educates patients on healthy lifestyle including hydration, basic nutrition, stretching, exercise, mind-body techniques, sleep habits, stress management and other matters related to massage therapy care. Knowledgeable of complementary integrative health and holistic health principles. Mentors other staff in best massage therapy practices. Under routine academic oversight, the massage therapist assists with clinical supervision of massage therapy students. Subject matter expert, responsible for mentoring other massage therapists and participating in educational activities. Knowledgeable of teaching methods and learning principles, and will assist other staff through education as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team. Documents and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. Consent shall be completed prior to treatment in accordance with local requirements. 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. Required professional meetings must be attended. Participates in research and quality improvement activities related to massage therapy. Uses various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes. Responsible for identifying, collecting and analyzing aggregate patient care information to ensure safety and quality of care. Reviews patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to others' services when necessary. 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 to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) Advanced Clinical Level