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Recruitment Incentives May be Authorized for Highly Qualified Individuals This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. 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.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: 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. ["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. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. The incumbent serves as a Health Technician (Massage Therapy) within the Integrative Health (IH) Program and is organizationally responsible to the Whole Health Clinical Director, Rehabilitation and Extended Care Service Line (REC SL).Duties include but are not limited to the following: Assess each patient to include the physical and mental status, completed by performing a pertinent history and physical examination. Pertinent clinical information is identified to provided focused population-specific treatment (massage therapy/modalities) and develop a plan of care. Performs basic massage techniques with close supervision from the supervisor, to include therapeutic massage and muscle manipulations based on the independent evaluation. The Heath Technician does request assistance in urgent or emergent circumstances. Evaluates the response by treatment by accurately documenting and collaborating with other team members Provides a full range of complex treatment modalities consistent with massage therapy licensure and training. Assist in the growth and development of the IH program by: assisting other staff by serving as subject matter expert; mentoring and modeling outstanding clinical practice; and participating in education and research activities Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies therapeutic massage to patients. Assists in development of comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes short and long-term goals. Persuades and motivates Veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans. Interacts with patients and family regarding goals for treatment. Assists in the performance of, or performs highly specialized and diversified treatment procedures. Utilizes he full-range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity and massage. Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise. Instructs, motivates and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for this treatments. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Administrative Hours Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified individuals Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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