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This position located at the VA Boston's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service), and shall be supervised by the Physical Therapy Supervisor. The massage therapist is responsible for being self-directed in the delivery of patient care. The massage therapist will meet the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. The massage therapist will communicate and treat customers, i.e., Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff, in a courteous, tactful, and respectful way. 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 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. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign massage therapy programs that require a minimum 500-hour education program are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a full unrestricted and current license, registration, or certification, as described in subparagraph 3.c., or by maintaining a board certification from the NCBTMB. English Language Proficiency. Individuals appointed under the authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA, must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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: GS-8 Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of progressive experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Skill in providing advanced massage techniques using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to massage therapy within specialty population(s); Ability to modify massage therapy techniques based on an understanding of specialty populations, and various clinical/environmental settings; iv. Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles. Ability to conduct research and quality improvement activities, related to massage therapy; and Knowledge of complementary integrative health, and holistic health principles. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level (GS-7), the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At this level, the Health Technician (Massage Therapy) provides a full range of complex treatment procedures and modalities, which may include, but are not limited to reflexology, injury rehabilitation, lymphatic drainage, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, and/or craniosacral work. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) is responsible to provide massage therapy services for specialty areas, such as pain management, poly-trauma, surgery, traumatic brain injury, palliative care, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, cardiology, pulmonary, rheumatology, spinal cord injury, mental health, and oncology. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) assists other staff through education and as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) is a subject matter expert responsible for mentoring other Health Technicians (Massage Therapy) who participate in educational and research activities. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) provides education in massage techniques to patients, caregivers, and employees. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) contributes to identifying, collecting, and analyzing aggregate patient care information, to ensure safety and quality of care. Preferred Experience: 3 years qualified therapeutic massage therapy experience, preferably in a healthcare environment Specialized experience with targeted therapeutic massage for specific health conditions References: VA Handbook 5005/108 Part II Appendix G56 Health Technician (Massage Therapy) Qualification Standard dated March 12, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Sitting Standing and lifting up to 40 pounds. ["GS-8 Duties include but are not limited too: Provide individualized massage therapy treatment Has knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to therapeutic massage therapy within specialty populations. Utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. Incorporates various therapeutic massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education through both in person and virtual care. Provides advanced therapeutic massage therapy services of greater complexity applied to specialty populations in various clinical/environmental settings with limited supervision and coordinate follow up care as indicated. Changes linen between patients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment. Provide massage therapy instruction, education, and mentoring Provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. Educates patients and care givers on healthy lifestyle including hydration, basic nutrition, stretching, exercise, mind-body techniques, sleep habits, stress management and other matters related to massage therapy care. Has knowledge of complementary integrative health and holistic health principles. Mentors other staff in best therapeutic massage therapy practices. Serves as a subject matter expert, responsible for mentoring other massage therapists and participating in educational activities. Has knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles, and will assist other staff through education as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team Complete clinical notes in electronic health record system Documents and codes 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, which may include collaboration of care with other health care providers. Maintain trainings and attend required meetings Maintains up to date with VHA and professional trainings. Required professional meetings must be attended. Research and quality improvement Participates in research and quality improvement activities related to massage therapy. Uses various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes. Identifies, collects, and analyzes aggregate patient care information to ensure safety and quality of care. Administration Reviews patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to others services when necessary. Serves as the subject matter expert on massage therapy and related body work services and will provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care. Duty Station: Jamaica Plain, Brockton and Lowell, but may be changed to any other VABHS location based on the needs of the medical center.\nWork Schedule: Flexible/ Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: Health Technician (Massage Therapist)/000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]