Kinesiotherapist

Full Job Description

This position is assigned to the Medicine Service Line of the VA Northern Arizona Health Care System (NAVAHCS) Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department; treats patients in the specialty areas of Kinesiotherapist practice.

This is a dual announcement with CBSX-12895441-26-SZ Physical Therapist, only one selection will be made.

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.

Candidates must have: 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 COPS-KT.

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 COPS-KT and a certificate verifying completion of a Center of Excellence (COE) Kinesiotherapy clinical training program.

NOTE: The completion of the certificate ensures that COPS-KT has approved the degree program as part of the application process for the COE internship. Registration.

All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPS-KT.

Loss of Credentials: 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 Grade Determinations: Grade GS-7: None beyond the basic requirements.

Grade 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. Grade 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 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 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.

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).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Major Duties:

The Kinesiotherapist independently conducts assessments and develops evidence-based treatment plans matched to diagnostic complexity, providing integrated, progressive skilled rehabilitative interventions across the continuum of care.

GS-11 (Full Performance Level): Independently conducts assessments using specialized functional evaluations and diagnostic tests; interprets results to establish patient needs and treatment priorities.

Develops individualized evidence-based treatment plans that address diagnostic complexity and functional goals; adapts tools and interventions to patient needs and response.

Provides integrated and progressive treatment modalities across the continuum (e.g., pre-habilitation, acute, sub-acute, transitional, home-based, post-rehabilitative, and wellness programs).

Administers musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic/biomechanical, psychological, and task-specific functional tests and measures (e.g., vitals, strength, endurance, ROM, coordination, static/dynamic balance, cardiovascular endurance, gait analysis, posture, gross sensory impairment, functional mobility, ADLs, and prosthetic/orthotic gait, care, and training).

Analyzes results and integrates findings into treatment progression to achieve maximum outcomes; documents objective measures and clinical reasoning.

Coordinates and collaborates within the multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care, employ multiple treatment approaches, and accomplish complex treatment objectives; communicates clearly with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Educates patients, caregivers, and staff on navigating policies and procedures to maneuver through the health system, and provides instruction aligned with learning principles and behavioral interventions.

Demonstrates advanced clinical reasoning to determine needs for further in-depth assessment and continuation or modification of treatment; utilizes non-standard methods and innovative techniques when indicated.

Adapts assessment tools and treatments to diagnostic complexity and disability level; identifies when additional specific functional assessment is required.

Monitors and reports work status, program quality, performance improvement data; makes recommendations for process improvement consistent with NAVAHCS and PM&R goals.

Participates in quality improvement initiatives, evidence-based practice updates, and competency development.

Completes timely, accurate, and comprehensive documentation of evaluations, treatments, progress notes, and care plans in accordance with VHA/NAVAHCS standards; ensures safety, infection control, and privacy compliance.

GS-9 (Developmental Level): 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.

Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to more experienced staff for a decision or assistance.

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.

GS-7 (Developmental Level): 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.

Work Schedule: 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized