Health Technician (Massage Therapy) – Advanced Clinical Level

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: Individuals appointed under the authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA, must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education: Candidates must complete a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign massage therapy programs that require a minimum 500-hour education program are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license, registration, or certification, as described in subparagraph 3.c., or by maintaining a board certification from the NCBTMB. 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). NOTE: As of the date of this standard, several states do not offer a credential in massage therapy. Additionally, some states offer a credential that does not meet the 500- hour education program and/or state-issued examination requirements described above in subparagraph 3.c.(1). Candidates may satisfy the basic requirement of licensure/certification/registration by possessing and maintaining a board certification from the NCBTMB. 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). Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-8 – Advanced Clinical Level Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of progressive experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. GS-7 level experience includes: Ability to assess the physical and mental status of patients (including history and physical assessment), interpret the appropriate information to identify each patient’s population-specific needs, identify indications/contraindications for massage, develop the plan of care, and monitor their response to treatment; Ability to use various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes; Skill in developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships; and Ability to advise staff and students in massage therapy practices. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Skill in providing advanced massage techniques using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient; Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to massage therapy within specialty population(s); Ability to modify massage therapy techniques based on an understanding of specialty populations, and various clinical/environmental settings; Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles; v. Ability to conduct research and quality improvement activities, related to massage therapy; and Knowledge of complementary integrative health, and holistic health principles. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for is the GS-8. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
The Advance Massage therapist provides individualized mass therapy treatment to patients. The massage therapist utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. The massage therapist incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. The Therapist also provides massage therapy instruction, education, and mentoring to patients and families.