Incumbent will be assigned to the Whole Health/CIH section with Primary Care Service. 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: (1) 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, (2) 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 licensure/registration/certification during this period may result in termination of employment. Loss of Credential. An employee who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification/registration must be removed from the occupation, which 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: Health Technician (Massage Therapy), GS-5 - Entry Level Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. 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 i. Skill to provide massage techniques including draping, using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient; ii. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, therapeutic effects, and evidence based practice of massage therapy; iii. Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team in a health care setting; iv. Knowledge of all patient safety procedures, rules, and regulations as they pertain to a clinical environment; and v. 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 GS6 grade level performing massage therapy and demonstrate all the KSAs below: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities i. 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; ii. Ability to use various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes; iii. Skill in developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships; and iv. 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. Physical Requirements: Pre-placement and periodic physical examinations are required for hybrid occupations toensure workers are placed in positions where they can perform the essential functions of their job considering their physical, mental and emotional capacities, without endangering their health or the health of their co-workers. ["Provides individualized massage therapy treatment. Massage therapists at this level perform basic massage therapy services under close supervision. Utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. The massage therapist incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. responsible for changing linen between patients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment. provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. The massage therapist 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. document and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. Consent shall be completed prior to treatment in accordance with local requirements. functions as a member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. Maintains trainings and attends required meetings. The massage therapist shall maintain up to-date with VHA and professional trainings. Required professional meetings must be attended. Review patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to others services when necessary. Subject matter expert on massage therapy and related body work services and will provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8am-4:30pm Functional Statement #: 54036-A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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