Qualifications

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
• (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 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 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 4b 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)
• Exception
• 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
• Applicants who fail to obtain registration during this temporary full- time appointment must be terminated
• For grade levels at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be registered
• Registration
• All applicants must be registered in kinesiotherapy in good standing with the COPSKT Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• 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).] 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 (Program Coordinator), GS-12 Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Kinesiotherapist, GS-11( 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 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and to provide advice to staff on planning and implementation of comprehensive treatment programs
• (b) Knowledge of VA policies and procedures to represent the medical center
• (c) Knowledge and skills to analyze, evaluate, and monitor issues concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of programs that will impact activities or functions such as: supplies, equipment, budget, and recruitment
• (d) Skill in providing clinical and administrative oversight of a multidisciplinary team
• (e) Ability to collaborate with strategic planning committees at local, VISN, or national level for new ventures addressing patient care delivery systems, facilities management, systems reorganization, etc
• (f) Ability to provide guidance and advise program administrators, members of the community, and medical center leadership 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-12
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.