Summary The Kinesiotherapist will be responsible for outpatient evaluations and treatments to veteran/patients according to the North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation guidelines. These evaluations and treatments will include a wide variety of outpatient diagnoses such as Parkinson's, stroke, movement disorders, amputations, joint replacements, pulmonary diseases, etc. The Kinesiotherapist will also be responsible for issuing DME as well as bracing. Responsibilities Kinesiotherapists are responsible for performing a variety of duties including, but not limited to the following: Interprets and administers, upon receipt of a prescription from a qualified physician, using specialized skills and medical knowledge in the evaluation of the patients' medical condition. Employs therapeutic objectives which are complex because of the severe and multiple disabilities encountered. Frequently selects, adapts and adjusts Kienesiotherpary intervention in accordance with rehabilitation goals. Coordinates the scheduling of patient treatment with other PM&RS therapist as well as with the nursing staff. Assembles pre-evaluation data, interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescription, and conducts physical evaluation of patients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan. Determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the patient, a goal specific treatment plan. Identify the need for modifications to the treatment intervention based on 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. Establishes meaningful therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner. Encompass a moderately complex foundation of knowledge in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial, and task specific functional tests and measures. Assesses the needs for home equipment via clinical simulation and/or home evaluation to ensure the optimal functioning in the home environment. Provides education for patients and family members in home exercise programs, transfer techniques, and in efficient care for the patient in a way that is clear and understandable by those involved. Devises specific activities and routines 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 or disability. Develops specific activities and routines to maintain or improve general state of health, physical fitness or conditioning where it is absent or to restore it where it has been lost due to disease or disability. Develops therapeutic programs for various types of disabilities, which include orthopedic conditions, amputation, muscle weakness, chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, and patients with multiple diagnoses. Incumbent strives to retard physical and mental deterioration, maintaining the highest degree of self-help and independence within the limitation of patient's disability. Employs therapeutic objectives which are complex because of the severe and multiple disabilities encountered. Unusual tact and skill are necessary to the success of the rehabilitation process. Interprets and administers physician's exercise prescription, schedules patients for treatment and integrates Kinesiotherapy activities with other treatments in order to achieve the goals established for the patient. Reports to physicians patient reactions to treatment which have medical significance and diagnostic value. Administers therapeutic exercise that strengthens debilitated muscles and teaches transfer activities and mobility training following prolonged bed rest, amputation, fractures, wounds, and joint replacement. Establishes meaningful therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet the goals established in the most efficient manner. Completes appropriately timed re-evaluations for the patients and modifies the goals based on the information gained by re-evaluation. Functions as a core team member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient and continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. As a member of the treatment team, maintains a working relationship with medical and allied health specialists to coordinate patient treatment to effect maximum rehabilitation potential. Inputs scheduling data into hospital CPRS. Completes and documents initial evaluations, treatment interventions, re-evaluation, and discharge notes in accordance with PM&R Service and VA policy that cover the entire course of treatment. Maintains competency with and integrates telehealth technologies into the treatment plans for Veteran patients as appropriate. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51839F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. 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 and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: 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. PLEASE NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) accredited college or University. (TRANSCRIPTS SUPPLIED) Foreign Graduates - Graduates of foreign program must meet the Basic Education Requirements if they have a current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice kinesiotherapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth 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. 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 )(8). Pursuant to 38 U.S.C § 7405(c)(2)(8), 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. 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 for Kinesiotherapist at the GS-7 Level: GS-7 Experience/Education - No post-educational experience or education is required at the GS-7 level beyond the Basic Requirements. 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 for Kinesiotherapist at the GS-9 Level: GS-09 Experience/Education: In addition to the Basic Requirements, a Kinesiotherapist at the GS-9 level must possess one (1) of the following: at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level directly related to the position being filled -OR- possess the education equivalent to two (2) 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 (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education 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. Assignment. 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, contra­indications, and advancement and progression of challenging treatment interventions) that utilize the application of innovative procedures and problem solving. Assignments at this level will include developmental duties of increasing scope and diversity as compared to the entry level. It is expected that kinesiotherapists at this grade, perform more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the entry level. Grade Determinations for Kinesiotherapist at the GS-11 Level:- Registration Submitted GS-11 Experience/Education: In addition to the Basic Requirements, a Kinesiotherapist at the GS-11 level must possess one (1) of the following: at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level directly related to the position being filled -OR- possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree -OR- three (3) 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 (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all 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. Assignment. This is the full performance level. 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. 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. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR REFERENCES, PERFORMANCE LEVEL STATEMENTS, AND PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript 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/. Additional Information Physical Requirements: Kinesiotherapy is considered a vocation that requires "medium" work. Medium Work entails: exerting 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or or over) 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in the excess if those for Light Work. (i.e. more than exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. References: VA Handbook 5005/132, Part II Appendix G-21 During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.