Clarification from the agency

This job opportunity announcement is open to current Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) employees of the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center only. NOTE: Please provide your most recent non-award SF 50 for consideration.

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To include:

A. Duties require knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of Kinesiotherapy and all basic requirements for grades GS7 thru 13. The therapist is expected to have extensive mastery of the treatment principles applied for diagnoses in orthopedics and neurology, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, rheumatology, and diseases specific to the geriatric population. In addition, patients treated throughout the service have a variety of acute and chronic medical, surgical, and neurological impairments. Therefore, this position requires knowledge and understanding of treatment methods and techniques used by all the therapy disciplines.
B. Principally responsible for a full range of clinical and administrative functions associated with the daily operation of the KT program, ensuring that physician referrals for rehabilitation assignments are triaged according to the medical center policy on Appointment Scheduling, treatments are provided, and documentation is completed according to the Joint Commission (JC) and service policies. Thorough knowledge of and ability to teach correct documentation and coding practices in all therapy disciplines to maximize reimbursement potential. Clinical and administrative time is allocated consistent with National Guidelines.
C. Evaluates work systems and procedures within the service and implements changes to improve efficiency and productivity. Monitors and ensures program compliance with various accrediting and regulatory standards and medical center policies. Serves as professional support by providing consultation, evaluation, direct patient care, and discharge planning assistance. Serves as a resource person for therapists and staff from other services at multidisciplinary group meetings as needs dictate. Maintains current knowledge of physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques and management skills through reading, attendance at local, regional, and national meetings, seminars, and the involvement in professional organizations. D. The supervisory Kinesiotherapist participates in achieving all required accreditations for inpatient and outpatient services in PM&RS including the Joint Commission (JC) and Office of the Inspector General (OIG); Participates in the negotiation of contracts with outside agencies for direct patient care services in times of staff shortages; Coordinates all educational activities in the section with affiliating schools of allied health science and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
E. She/he initiates performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions in accordance with established human resource policy. She/he will make recommendations for promotions and board actions to be considered.
F. Responsible for coordinating the schedule of therapy staff leave requested and approval of the same.
G. In conjunction with the Chief, PM&RS and Administrative Officer, She/he will work directly with the PM&RS personnel specialist assigned to recruit, interview, and recommend hiring of new therapy staff.
H. Act in a consultative capacity to the Chief of PM&RS and Administrative Officer to recommend optimal FTE levels for the clinical services provided. These recommendations will be based on examination of service efficiency and efficacy.
I. Submit requests for expendable and non-expendable equipment and reviewing the equipment needs and budget with the Chief of PM&RS and Administrative Officer
J. Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate expectations, review policies and procedures, and to disseminate essential information.
K. Responsible for ensuring that all OSHA standards as well as all Medical Center safety guidelines and infection control policies are being met in all treatment areas.
L. Responsible for special assignments associated with the preparation for JCAHO surveys and ensuring that the standards are met by all staff therapists.
M. Serve on the service-level performance improvement committee and ensure that all PM&R staff are aware and involved in performance improvement activities.
N. Is available for other administrative responsibilities delegated by the Chief of PM&RS, Chief of Staff, or other members of the medical center executive team; supports medical rehabilitation research by providing support staff, equipment, and supplies as required for specific projects without compromising clinical patient care.
O. Maintains an educational schedule for the therapy staff that includes conducting and assigning lectures and journal article discussion.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM EST
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1963.
• 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

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 Council of Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy Council of Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (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 Council of Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (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.

c. 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).

d. Registration. All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT.

e. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a Kinesiotherapist on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Such employees ] may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or [changed to a lower grade] within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or license/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(4) Kinesiotherapists who are converted to title 38 hybrid status] under this provision,[and subsequently leave the occupation, will lose their] protected status, and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.

English Language Proficiency. Kinesiotherapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by [38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).]

GRADE REQUIREMENTS. In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade and assignment of candidates.

Kinesiotherapist, GS-13(1) Experience/Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12.

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to supervise, motivate, and effectively manage staff by organizing work, setting priorities, and delegating tasks and setting responsibilities.
(b) Ability to disseminate appropriate information through various media as a consultant or mentor.
(c) Skill in interpersonal relationships in dealing with employees, other team leaders, and managers.
(d) Knowledge of specialized programs and the ability to perform the administrative duties of special programs and/or components of a Kinesiotherapist section.
(e) Knowledge of decision-making principles necessary to adjust programs on a day-to-day basis, to develop short term and long-range goals, and/or to plan for future utilization of human resources, and the reassignment of staff to enhance/develop the value of existing or new programs.

Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations to ensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.