Summary The Kinesiotherapist Clinical Specialist (KT/CS) in this position provides direct patient care and therapy services on an independent basis across the continuum of care to veterans at the VANTXHCS Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service. He/She has responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in a content specialty area of Mental Health and as a consultant to kinesiotherapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in this specialty area. Responsibilities The Kinesiotherapist in this position has responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in a content specialty area of Mental Health and as a consultant to kinesiotherapy and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in this specialty area. This individual must demonstrate advance skills/competency and techniques in care of the mental health patient population who have varying degrees of highly complex physical, functional and/or mental problems. This includes skills to perform and interpret specialized evaluative/assessment procedures and tests, in the areas physical function, cognition (Dementia/Alzheimer's), substance abuse, nutrition, comorbidities, psychological status, and social support. Duties include but not limited to: Clinical Functions: Patient Care Performs patient evaluation: Veterans are scheduled for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates Veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members. Recognizes the appropriateness of treatment based on indications, precautions and contraindications and uses professional judgement to initiate consultation to the appropriate provider. Treatment Implementation: Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals and timeliness for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or stakeholder input. Implements complex and innovative therapeutic techniques not limited to: joint replacement therapy, orthopedic knee and hip dysfunction, shoulder dysfunction, complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), and mobility training to maintain or achieve veteran's physical and/or emotional rehabilitation potential. Mental Health Clinical Specialist Functions:Administrative functions include: Incumbent has advance skills to perform and interpret specialized evaluation procedures and tests in the specialty area of mental health which includes but not limited to physical function, cognition (dementia/Alzheimer's), nutrition, comorbidities, psychological status, and social support. Demonstrates a full professional understanding of selective therapeutic techniques and modalities related to the patient population being treated. Serves as a mentor or consultant for patients, Kineisotherapy staff and Medical Center Healthcare team members in the areas of Kinesiotherapy, and Mental Health. Develops and implements comprehensive advanced and complex treatments using advanced skills and techniques which may include, but are not limited to: psychiatric diagnosis, fall risk assessments, neuromuscular facilitation, strength/endurance training, energy conservation, sensory/perception deficits, cognitive impairments and patient/family education, to meet the Veteran rehabilitation objectives. Treatment may be conducted individually and/or in group settings. Administrative functions include: Understands and adheres to department, program, and facility procedures. Receives, triages and assigns patient referrals/consults, patient self-referrals, adheres to consult compliance established guidelines. Schedules Veterans for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team. Flexibility of schedule must be maintained to allow for unscheduled patients and for family conferences. Assists with coverage to other PM&R clinics as needed. Provides relief coverage, as needed, in any PM&R program in the event of shortage of staff to maintain the continuum of patient care. Education and Research: Identifies learning activities for self and others. Participates and contributes to the advancements of knowledge and techniques related to specialty services, Mental Health and Kinesiotherapy via in-services and/or conducts mentorship projects. Conducts in-services for interdisciplinary team and other rehabilitation programs. Keeps up advance knowledge and maintains current concepts and trends in Mental Health, Kinesiotherapy and, evidence based medicine/rehabilitation practices, through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance to continuing education courses, conferences and in-services (at least annual training in specialty area from an accreditation body approved by Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT). Provides 2 in-services per year to staff members regarding Kinesiotherapy services, techniques and protocols in the specialty area. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.Occational weekends and holidays as needed for patient care. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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. 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 Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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 COPSKT. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) Foreign Graduates. Graduates of a foreign program must meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b 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. English Proficiency. Kinesiotherapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist) , GS-12 Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level 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 KSAs. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate 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: 3+ years prior experience in mental health setting with direct patient care population Knowledge of and experience with substance abuse, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders Therapeutic / Rehabilitation experience with adult and older adult populations 2+ years experience performing KT services in both therapeutic group and individual settings Prior experience with writing and creating weight management and nutrition programs References: VA Handbook 5005/132, Part II, Appendix G21 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Should have the ability to perform repetitive physical activities: Up to 4-6 hours of the following: sitting, walking, standing, twisting, bending, stooping, reaching, reaching overhead, grasping and pinching with hands and fine manipulation, such as typing/keyboarding. Up to 1-2 hours of the following: straight pulling, puling hand over hand, pushing, climbing and kneeling. Required lifting light to moderate (up to 44 pounds) and carrying light to moderate (up to 44 pounds). Required functional hearing with/without hearing aids, near vision correctable at 13-16", Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, the ability to use both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Use of fingers, both hands and use of both legs. Sitting is required for meetings, administrative work and occasionally driving motor vehicle most of the day. The ability to drive is required. The position demands significant physical stress and strain such as transferring patients, crouching and crawling on mats, and occasionally defending self against combative patients assigned to the incumbent. Work may require good physical health, normal use of arms and legs and good visual and auditory acuity, to evaluate and treat patients, and to use computer, keyboard, monitor, phone, etc. Work is performed in the clinics, wards, exercise areas, office and conference rooms, occasionally in the home. May be exposed to infectious diseases, medical and psychiatric emergencies. The position may require occasional travel away from the duty station to visit Veterans' home, for meetings, conferences and/or training at VA CBOC clinics and other PM&RS locations within VANTHCS. Must be able to obtain and maintain a state issued Driver License to operate a government vehicle. This travel may require the transportation of Protected Health Information. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Accreditation Information: Degree from a KT program accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program or Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT). NOTE: If your school was accredited at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.