Recreation Assistant (Advanced Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor)

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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: a. 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 38 U.S.C.§ 7407(a). b. Experience/Supervised Practice. Applicants must have a minimum of 50 hours of supervised tai chi or qigong instruction. c. Education. The individual must have accumulated a minimum of 150 hours of formal Tai Chi or Qigong Instructor education. The 150-hour requirement may include the 50 hours of supervised instruction under 4(b) and any time spent in a formal educational program leading to certification under 4(d). d. Certification. Candidates must be currently certified to provide tai chi or qigong instruction. Acceptable certifications must have required successful completion of a minimum 30-hour tai chi or qigong instruction program. (1) Exception for Non-Certified/Non-Registered Tai Chi/Qigong Instructors. (a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be temporarily appointed as a Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). (b) Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor at or above the full performance level. (c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry-level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-certified Tai Chi/Qigong Instructors may not be extended beyond 2 years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (2) Failure to Obtain Certification/Registration. In all cases, Tai Chi/Qigong Instructors must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor supervisor provides the Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor with the written requirements for certification/registration, including the time the certification/registration must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain certification/registration during this period may result in termination of employment. (3) Loss of Credential. In collaboration with HR staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation who fail to maintain the required certification/registration, which may also result in separation from employment. Advanced Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor, GS-07. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience is equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in reviewing and monitoring data to ensure all records and reports are complete and accurate. (b) Ability to apply tai chi/qigong principles and techniques to effectively address a wide variety of highly complex patient conditions. (c) Knowledge of data analysis strategies used to optimize quality, efficiency, performance and productivity. (d) Ability to develop tai chi/qigong course curriculum and associated education materials. The full performance level of this position is the GS-07. Physical Requirements: Walking, standing, bending, stooping , assisting patients with physical disabilities with transferring and ambulation, active involvement with patients in various recreation therapy programs, driving government vehicles, and quick action in any emergency situation. the work is primary very active sedentary work involved when performing clerical / administrative work. Moderate to heavy lifting will be required.
This position is open to current, permanent employees of North Florida South/Georgia Veterans Affairs Medical Center only. Tai Chi/Qigong Instructors are responsible for independently conducting tai chi and qigong well-being classes. Tai Chi/Qigong Instructors develop and share educational information including written instruction for at home and self-care practices with class participants. This position is located at the Lake City Community Based Outpatient Clinic.