Kinesiotherapist

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.
• English Language: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7402 (d).
• Education: Applicants must havebachelor'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.

Registration: All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT. Non-registered applicants at the GS-7 and GS-9 level who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for appointment, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate kinesiotherapist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B). Pursuant to 38 U.S.C § 7405(c)(2)(B), the appointment cannot exceed two years if the non-registered applicant's registration is pending with the COPSKT.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

Kinesiotherapist, GS-7:

Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.

Kinesiotherapist, GS-9:

Experience/Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's degree from a university or college in the field of kinesiotherapy or an exercise science related field.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of policies and procedures of kinesiotherapy.
(b) Knowledge of assistive devices to make recommendations, including fit and function of assistive devices with the ability to recognize appropriate prosthetic/orthotic devices for the patient.
(c) Knowledge of evaluation and assessment tools in applying therapeutic techniques.
(d) Skill in instructing patients and families in a therapeutic exercise program.

Kinesiotherapist, GS-11:

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.

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.

Preferred Experience: Prior experience with wellness programs and general exercise science.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G21

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: The work demands periods of intense concentration in planning, analyzing, coordination, and execution. It is primarily sedentary with some slight physical efforts required. Day-to-day work involves sitting, walking, standing and carrying light to moderate objects, such as telehealth machines and related components. Work may be performed in a clinical setting that exposes the incumbent to the communicable diseases common of the client population. Some work is performed in a setting away from the office, where the environment cannot be controlled.