Kinesiotherapist
Duties and responsibilities for the position include but are not limited to the following:
Administers clinical evaluations, upon receipt of a prescription from a qualified physician, using specialized skills and medical knowledge in reference to the patients'/clients' medical condition. Assembles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescriptions, and conducts physical evaluation of patients/clients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan. Devises specific activities and care plans to improve general state of health, functional abilities, physical fitness or conditioning, where it is absent or to restore it where it has been lost due to disease, illness, or disability. Determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the patient, a goal specific treatment plan. Establishes therapeutic objectives of which can be complex because of the server and multiple disabilities or co-morbidities encountered. Identifies the need for modifications to the treatment intervention based on the patient response to treatment in a manner that utilizes creative thinking and problem solving that goes beyond the typical diagnosis-based treatment pathways in order to reach maximal outcomes. 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. Applies a moderately complex foundation of knowledge in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures. Assesses the needs for assistive technology, adaptive, mobility, and home equipment via clinical simulation and/or home evaluation to ensure optimal functioning in the home or proposed discharge environment. Incumbent is responsible for educating patient/client and/or family for the use and features of issued equipment needs and ensuring proper body mechanics and safety. Provides education for patients/clients 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. Functions as a core team member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient/client and continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. Participates in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary rounds with physicians and other members of the treatment team. Explains and discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of Kinesiotherapy treatment and therapeutic techniques with various groups within the medical center. Utilizes documentation and coding practices to maximize reimbursement potential by following coding and reimbursement standards. Coordinates the scheduling of patient treatment with other PM&RS therapists, the interdisciplinary team, and nursing staff as appropriate. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8:
00am to 04:
30pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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. NOTE:
See Exception below Exception:
Non-registered applicants at the GS-7 and GS-9 level who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for appointment, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate kinesiotherapist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(B). Pursuant to 38 U.S.C 7405(c)(2)(B), the appointment cannot exceed two years if the non-registered applicant's registration is pending with the COPSKT. Applicants who fail to obtain registration during this temporary full- time appointment must be terminated. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered. Registration:
All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. Loss of Credential:
Registered kinesiotherapists who fail to continue their registration in good standing, and maintain the required registration, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency:
Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates. Kinesiotherapist, GS-7
Experience:
None beyond the basic requirements. Kinesiotherapist, GS-9 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
Knowledge of policies and procedures of kinesiotherapy. 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. Knowledge of evaluation and assessment tools in applying therapeutic techniques. Skill in instructing patients and families in a therapeutic exercise program. Kinesiotherapist, GS-11 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. 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/132, Appendix G-21, Kinesiotherapist Qualification Standard dated July 16, 2020. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds, moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shards of colors, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, and working closely with others.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Administers clinical evaluations, upon receipt of a prescription from a qualified physician, using specialized skills and medical knowledge in reference to the patients'/clients' medical condition. Assembles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescriptions, and conducts physical evaluation of patients/clients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan. Devises specific activities and care plans to improve general state of health, functional abilities, physical fitness or conditioning, where it is absent or to restore it where it has been lost due to disease, illness, or disability. Determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the patient, a goal specific treatment plan. Establishes therapeutic objectives of which can be complex because of the server and multiple disabilities or co-morbidities encountered. Identifies the need for modifications to the treatment intervention based on the patient response to treatment in a manner that utilizes creative thinking and problem solving that goes beyond the typical diagnosis-based treatment pathways in order to reach maximal outcomes. 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. Applies a moderately complex foundation of knowledge in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures. Assesses the needs for assistive technology, adaptive, mobility, and home equipment via clinical simulation and/or home evaluation to ensure optimal functioning in the home or proposed discharge environment. Incumbent is responsible for educating patient/client and/or family for the use and features of issued equipment needs and ensuring proper body mechanics and safety. Provides education for patients/clients 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. Functions as a core team member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient/client and continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. Participates in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary rounds with physicians and other members of the treatment team. Explains and discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of Kinesiotherapy treatment and therapeutic techniques with various groups within the medical center. Utilizes documentation and coding practices to maximize reimbursement potential by following coding and reimbursement standards. Coordinates the scheduling of patient treatment with other PM&RS therapists, the interdisciplinary team, and nursing staff as appropriate. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday 8:
00am to 04:
30pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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. NOTE:
See Exception below Exception:
Non-registered applicants at the GS-7 and GS-9 level who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for appointment, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate kinesiotherapist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(B). Pursuant to 38 U.S.C 7405(c)(2)(B), the appointment cannot exceed two years if the non-registered applicant's registration is pending with the COPSKT. Applicants who fail to obtain registration during this temporary full- time appointment must be terminated. For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered. Registration:
All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. Loss of Credential:
Registered kinesiotherapists who fail to continue their registration in good standing, and maintain the required registration, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency:
Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations:
In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates. Kinesiotherapist, GS-7
Experience:
None beyond the basic requirements. Kinesiotherapist, GS-9 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
Knowledge of policies and procedures of kinesiotherapy. 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. Knowledge of evaluation and assessment tools in applying therapeutic techniques. Skill in instructing patients and families in a therapeutic exercise program. Kinesiotherapist, GS-11 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. 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/132, Appendix G-21, Kinesiotherapist Qualification Standard dated July 16, 2020. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds, moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shards of colors, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability, and working closely with others.
- Department:
0635 Kinesiotherapy - Salary Range:
$44,743 to $86,081 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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