Kinesiotherapist

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: 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).] US 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. *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/License: All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. Grade Determinations: Specialized Experience GS-12: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level (may include, but not limited to: specialized knowledge and demonstrated clinical competence related to a particular diagnosis, patient population, or treatment area and has an increased depth and breadth of practice skills. Experience with acute and/or chronic orthopedic patients. Experience in planning, scheduling and training of staff, nursing staff, programs and professional development. Experience demonstrating skills and techniques in a specialty area and/or specific population who have varying degrees of highly complex diagnosis. In addition to the experience and/or education listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs to be appointed at the GS-12 grade level: (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 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) GS-12: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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. 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-12. Physical Requirements: This position is typically not sedentary, and frequently involves being in the standing position, reaching, walking, bending, lifting, and pulling. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently to move objects. This could include moving objects such as pieces of equipment and assistance in moving patients.
The Kinesiotherapist, Clinical Specialist is a professional therapist primarily responsible for evaluating, planning and implementing the treatment program for patients with various disabilities and medical conditions within the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC). In addition, the Kinesiotherapist functions as a Clinical Specialist in the rehabilitation of acute and/or chronic orthopedic patients with complex medical and surgical diagnoses.