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Health Technician (Massage Therapy)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The massage therapist treats a wide range of conditions. Massage therapy may be used alone or as an adjunct to standard medical care. Massage therapy is the manual assessment and manipulation of the superficial soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purpose and encompasses a large variety of techniques from Western and Eastern traditions.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/19/2023 to 06/12/2023
Salary
$38,026 to - $61,235 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 7
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Omaha, NE
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
7
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBSY-11975487-23-KAH
Control number
727083300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This is a PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT and is open to Federal employees from agencies other than the Department of Veterans Affairs and All US Citizens. If you are a current, permanent, VA Nationwide employee, you should apply under the internal announcement number CBSY-11975486-23-KAH.

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Duties

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Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Provide individualized massage treatment. The massage therapist will utilize standard medical history procedures and massage evaluation to formulate musculoskeletal assessments and treatment plans.
  • The massage therapist will incorporate various techniques for the best outcome.
  • Be familiar with evidence-based Guidelines, adhere to VACO, VISN & local guidelines and policies for massage therapy.
  • The massage therapist will educate patients on health lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, mind body techniques and other matters related to massage care with individuals of varying backgrounds.
  • Screen massage request and direct veterans to other services as appropriate.
  • Formulate appropriate assessments.
  • Formulate a massage treatment plan independently or with other health care professionals. Close collaboration with many disciplines through NWI is required, including participation on numerous multidisciplinary programs, committees, etc.
  • Subject matter expert on evidence-based massage and will provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care.
  • Communicate effectively via a variety of communication mediums and with a broad range of audiences including clinical, administrative, technical and community.
  • Skills in the selection and use of the appropriate massage tools and supplies based on need of the patient.
  • Complete thorough medical SOAP notes with prognosis, goals and outcome measures in electronic health record system. The massage therapist will document oral informed consent document and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following VHA policies.
  • Attend required meetings and participate in various multidisciplinary facility programs and committees as assigned.
  • Maintain up-to-date VHA and professional trainings including CEU requirements to maintain appropriate state licensure.
  • Maintains HIPAA guidelines ensuring confidentiality of all information to ensure the privacy of patients in accordance with medical center privacy guidelines.
  • Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (Some nights and weekends may be required)
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • 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.
  • 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

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:

  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education. Candidates must complete a minimum 500-hour massage therapy education program.
  • 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.

Exception: Non-certified applicants, who have pending registrations or licensures in a state, or a certification by a national board recognized by the Secretary, and otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment as a Graduate Health Technician (Massage Therapy), under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B), for a period not to exceed two years. Failure to obtain obtain licensure/registration/certification during this period may result in termination of employment.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 3, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Health Technician (Massage Therapy), GS-5 - Entry Level
  • Education, Experience, and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements in paragraph 3.
(NOTE: See exception to licensure/registration/certification requirement in subparagraph 3.c. above.)

Health Technician (Massage Therapy), GS-6 - Developmental Level
  • Education, Experience, and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, and demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Skill to provide massage techniques including draping, using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient;
    • Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, therapeutic effects, and evidence based practice of massage therapy;
    • Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team in a health care setting;
    • Knowledge of all patient safety procedures, rules, and regulations as they pertain to a clinical environment; and
    • Ability to effectively communicate verbally/non-verbally and in writing (through a variety of modalities).
Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-7 - Full Performance Level
  • Education, Experience, and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level performing massage therapy and demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/108 Part II Appendix G56

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-7.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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.

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.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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.

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