Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist)

Provides advanced kinesiotherapy services for Veterans in weight management programs. Independently evaluates and treats complex physical and metabolic conditions to improve movement, function, and overall health. Designs evidence-based exercise and rehabilitation plans, educates patients and staff, mentors peers, ensures program quality, and develops new approaches to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes across the VISN.

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. 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. All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. English Proficiency. Kinesiotherapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). This position is above the full performance level, so there are no grandfathering provisions applicable to the qualification standards. Grade Determinations: Kinesiotherapist (Clinical Specialist), GS-12 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). Examples of experience include but are not limited to independently conducting assessments and developing treatment plans to the complexity of the diagnosis or disability using appropriate functional tests and measurements according to established evidence-based professional practices. Providing 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 have performed 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. Provided education to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals regarding policies and procedures for guidance to maneuver through the health care system. Kinesiotherapists monitored and reported on work statuses, program quality, performance improvement data, and made recommendations for process improvement. AND One of the following: Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area within the last 5 years; or Certification in the specialty area from an accreditation body approved by COPSKT; or An additional advanced degree in a related field; or Completion of a fellowship program. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of kinesiotherapy. Ability to serve as a consultant/mentor for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized area of kinesiotherapy. Skill to perform and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty area. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current kinesiotherapy theory, recent research, and evidence- based practice. Preferred Experience: Adaptable in a dynamic and fast paced environment. Experience working with individuals with weight and metabolic disorders. Able to create and issue home exercise programs for medically complex patients. Overall team player with ability to be flexible in changing environment. References: VA Handbook 5005/132, PART II, APPENDIX G21 Dated 7/16/2020, located at https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over) Light carrying (under 15 pounds) Straight pulling (0.5 hours) Pushing (0.5 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (0.5 hours) Standing (0.5 hours) Crawling (0.5 hours) Kneeling (0.5 hours) Repeated bending (1 hours) Climbing, legs only (0.5 hours) Climbing, use of legs and arms Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Specific visual requirement (corrective lenses okay) Both eyes required Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Mental and emotional stability