Summary This position is located at Chillicothe VAMC, to be supervised by the Chief Advanced Practice Professional Specialty ICC and/or Specialty ICC Manager. This position is aligned under the Specialty ICC department. The massage therapist treats a wide range of conditions. Massage therapy may be used alone or as an adjunct to standard medical care. Responsibilities Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. Incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. Provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. Educates patients on healthy lifestyle including hydration, basic nutrition, stretching, exercise, mind-body techniques, sleep habits, stress management and other matters related to massage therapy care. Documents and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. Functions as a member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. Maintains up-to-date with VHA and professional trainings. Reviews patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to other services when necessary. Work Schedule: Intermittent Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92833-0, 92834-0, or 92835-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements 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. 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). 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 licensure/registration/certification during this period may result in termination of employment. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Health Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005,Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Grade Determinations: To qualify for the GS-5 grade level, No education, experience, and licensure beyond the basic requirements. To qualify for the GS-6 grade level, In addition to the basic requirements, you must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. Examples of experience include, but is not limited, to the following: being responsible for changing linen between clients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment; promoting and educating patients in the health and wellness benefits of massage; developing therapeutic relationships with patient/family/significant others by demonstrating sensitivity and respect for a patient's personal beliefs; documenting and reporting unusual patient interactions immediately to the supervisor. In addition to the experience, you must also demonstrate all the KSAs below: 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. Ability to effectively communicate verbally/non-verbally and in writing (through a variety of modalities). To qualify for the GS-7 grade level, In addition to the basic requirements, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS- 6 grade level performing massage therapy. Examples of experience includes, but is not limited, to the following: performing treatments which are routine and standardized in nature; providing treatments in various inpatient and outpatient settings, in accordance with applicable policies and procedures; performing a substantially full range of duties, but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. In addition to the experience listed above, you must also demonstrate all the KSAs below: 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. Ability to advise staff and students in massage therapy practices. Preferred Experience: None Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-07. Physical Requirements: This position requires long periods of standing, walking, stooping and/or bending, utilizing hands and arms for massage therapy in addition to the occasional lifting and carrying of moderately heavy objects. 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 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. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) 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.