Kinesiotherapist (Home-Based Primary Care) in Rock Hill, South Carolina

Summary The Columbia VAMC is hiring a Kinesiotherpist! This position is located within the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program within GEC. The Rehabilitation Therapist utilizes knowledge, experience, and expertise to promote efficiency, and improved patient care, within the HBPC Program. Planning, coordinating, exercising professional judgment, initiating and implementing administrative and clinical decisions are integral components of this position. Responsibilities Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Clinical 80%: Assures that a high degree of quality patient care is provided. Evaluates referred patients in their home for safety and for needed equipment to assist the patient to remain in a home setting. Independently exercises creativity in solving problems without direct supervisory guidance to meet the varying needs of the patients. Assists with assessment of the veteran’s functional status and provides evaluation of the veteran’s home for needed structural modifications to make the home environment safe and accessible. Assists the HBPC staff in establishing a therapeutic program for the veteran and caregiver to maintain or enhance function or retard deterioration in the veteran’s functional status. Exercises independent professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex and frequent changes in treatment objectives. Treats patients referred by care providers using techniques in therapeutic exercises, muscle re-education, gait training, functional training (activities of daily living). Performs various tests such as manual muscle testing, range of motion, and/or balance testing. Communicates patient’s treatment progress to clinical staff and patient’s families. Assists in teaching the caregiver body mechanics to minimize the risk of injury. Attends and participates in interdisciplinary staff planning/discussions on patient care. Administrative 10% Maintains accurate patient records (periodic progress, treatment plan). Compiles statistical data regarding patient’s visits, number of treatments, use of modalities and procedures for treatment on a daily/monthly basis. Submits supporting documentation for reports as requested (e.g., SERP, JCAHO, Management Briefing, Falls report). Inspects and tests equipment for good operating condition. Justifies need for new equipment and requests repairs through the appropriate channels. Follows infection control and safety procedures. Acts as a liaison between Prosthetics Department as well as Rehab Department and HBPC. Education 5%: Conducts exercise program to promote wellness and improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Conducts patient education sessions (film, handouts, lectures). Attends in-service educational programs. Leads treatment teams in review of outcomes data and special reports and assists in initiating action for improvement of team processes and specific care activities. Research 5%: Participates in treatment teams to review outcomes data and special reports and assists in initiating action for improvement of team processes and specific care activities. Reviews patient surveys within section to ascertain patient’s satisfaction of care provided by HBPC. Participates in quality assurance plans. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday jobshiringnearme.org 0800-1630 Telework: 3+ days a week Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:544-53628F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: 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. 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. Grade Determinations GS-11: (1) 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. (2) 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. This is the full performance level for the kinesiotherapist. Kinesiotherapists independently conduct assessments and develop treatment plans to the complexity of the diagnosis or disability using appropriate functional tests and measurements according to established evidence-based professional practices. The kinesiotherapists provide integrated and progressive skilled rehabilitative treatment modalities across the continuum of care. Duties may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: pre- habilitation, acute, sub-acute, transitional, home-based, post rehabilitative, and wellness programs. Administer musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychological, and task specific functional tests and measures in order to reach maximum outcomes. Coordinate and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care, employ multiple treatment approaches and to accomplish complex treatment objectives. The kinesiotherapist may perform duties such as, accurately test, analyze, evaluate, and record measurements of vitals, muscular strength, endurance, range of motion, coordination, static/dynamic balance, cardiovascular endurance, gait analysis, posture, gross sensory impairment, functional mobility, activities of daily living, and prosthetic and orthotic gait, care and training. Provide education to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals regarding policies and procedures for guidance to maneuver through the health care system. Kinesiotherapists monitor and report on work status, program quality, performance improvement data, and make recommendations for process improvement. References: VA Handbook 5005/132 Preferred Experience: Home care or one year of generic care experience. The incumbent must have a current, valid driver’s license. All applicants must be registered in Kinesiotherapy in good standing with the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The physical demands required in this position include driving a vehicle to patients’ residents in various weather conditions; walking to and from vehicle in various weather conditions; climbing stairs; lifting medical bag and equipment (less than 20 lbs); stooping, kneeling, crouching, or reaching to examine patient or home environment; making phone calls and typing on computer. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant’s criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.