Health Technician (Massage Therapy) – Advanced Clinical Level

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. Education: Candidates must complete a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program. Licensure, Registration, or Certification: Candidates must be currently licensed, registered, or certified to practice as a massage therapist in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Acceptable credentials must have required successful completion of a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Examination, or equivalent state-issued examination. OR Candidates must possess and maintain a board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Grade Determinations GS-08: Applicants must possess one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). Experience includes: Independently asses the physical and mental status of patients; takes complete patient history and perform a physical assessment; interprets relevant clinical information to identify each patient’s specific needs, identifies indications/contraindications for massage, and develops the plan of care; performs massage therapy services with high level of complexity; evaluates patient responses to treatment and documents responses in an electronic environment; coordinates follow up massage therapy; serves as consultants to health care team in the evaluation and treatment of the patient; and assists with clinical supervision of massage therapy students. AND Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA’s 1.Skill in providing advanced massage techniques using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient; 2.Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to massage therapy within specialty population(s); 3. Ability to modify massage therapy techniques based on an understanding of specialty populations, and various clinical/environmental settings 4. Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles 5. Ability to conduct research and quality improvement activities, related to massage therapy; and 6. Knowledge of complementary integrative health, and holistic health principles 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-8. Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, lifting up to 40 pounds.
The Health Technician (Massage Therapist) is located under the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service at the VA Illiana Health Care System and is responsible for being self-directed in the delivery of patient care.