The kinesiotherapist in this position is given general and complex assignments in multiple clinics and locations where kinesiotherapy services are deemed necessary for inpatient and outpatient populations. The work requires the application of knowledge of the concepts, and principles within the scope of standards and scope of practices of kinesiotherapy. 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. 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. 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates. 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: (a) Skill in communicating and coordinating with patients, families, caregivers, and other health care professions to facilitate the multidisciplinary treatment process. (b) Knowledge of evidence-based kinesiotherapy to provide skilled rehabilitation interventions to a wide variety of patients having diverse and multiple disabilities. (c) Ability to conduct independent assessments using highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests. (d) Knowledge of learning principles, behavioral intervention, and innovational techniques [for patient and caregiver education. (e) 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. (f) Ability to use clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment and/or continuation of treatment. Preferred Experience: Experience in Mental Health, Substance Abuse (Drug/Alcohol), PTSD, Behavioral etc., assisting with programs Experience with inpatient/outpatient assisting with exercise/rehab programs for individuals and groups under supervision Ability to assist the history and establishing a plan of care with specific short/long term goals with supervision Experience in VA MOVE program for obese patient's and assisting with exercise programs. Experience in Whole Health Program References: VA Handbook 5005/132, Part II, Appendix G21 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. 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. ["Duties include but not limited to: Clinical Functions: Patient Care Performs patient evaluation: Schedules Veterans for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates Veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members. Interprets medical record information, reviews therapy prescription, and conducts physical evaluation of patients in order to develop and implement a treatment plan in accordance with the physician's orders and patient's ability. Administers physical tests and independently assesses behavioral and emotional status for patients with basic and/or complex acute and chronic illnesses who have or may have developed impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Uses effective interviewing techniques to obtain objective and factual information pertaining to the patient's interests and aptitudes. Observes the patient during trial assignments to confirm initial assessment. Interviews patients with multiple diagnoses that require conventional and/or unconventional interview approaches and treatments to devise effective methods and procedures. Selects appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss of function or to substitute for limited function of patients they treat. Treatment Implementation: Coordinates complex patient schedule with other interdisciplinary team members. Develops therapeutic programs for patients with acute and chronic disabilities which include orthopedic conditions, amputation, muscle weakness, chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, spinal cord injury, respiratory disorders, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, etc. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of selective therapeutic techniques and modalities related to disability being treated to include: orthopedic conditions, amputation, muscle weakness, chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, spinal cord injury, respiratory disorders, psychiatric diagnoses, dementia, etc. May serve as a resource to other, less experience therapists. Identifies specific activities and routines to maintain or improve alternative ways of coping and, physical fitness or conditioning when impaired due to disease or disability. Utilizes various therapeutic activities to maintain or achieve rehabilitation of physical and/or behavioral-emotional impairments. Implements therapeutic exercises for strengthening, and teaches transfers activities and mobility training following prolonged bed rest, amputation, fractures, wounds, lower extremity joint replacement, etc. Provides the equipment, materials, instruction, encouragement, or counseling necessary to promote functional mobility and activities performance. Independently assesses, selects, adapts, and/or fits assistive and adaptive devices in accordance with rehabilitation goals. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team (physician, nursing and other health care providers) to provide continuity of care by discussing progress with treatment team and to facilitate the operation of the clinic/ward/unit to meet common goals. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. Rotates to cover 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"]
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes! This position is located within Surgical Services at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Department of Navy (DoN)/Department of Defense (DoD). It is larger than just a single facility, but rather it is a fully-integrated medical care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The combined mission of the FHCC means active duty military and their family members, military retirees, and eligible veterans receive health care at this facility.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. Join the FHCC team of energetic, career-minded professionals! For additional information, click onhttp://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/index.asp.