The massage therapist treats a wide range of conditions. Massage therapy may be used alone or as an adjunct to standard medical care. Massage therapy is the manual assessment and manipulation of the superficial soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purpose and encompasses a large variety of techniques from Western and Eastern traditions. 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. 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. ["Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Provide individualized massage treatment. The massage therapist will utilize standard medical history procedures and massage evaluation to formulate musculoskeletal assessments and treatment plans. The massage therapist will incorporate various techniques for the best outcome. Be familiar with evidence-based Guidelines, adhere to VACO, VISN & local guidelines and policies for massage therapy. The massage therapist will educate patients on health lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, mind body techniques and other matters related to massage care with individuals of varying backgrounds. Screen massage request and direct veterans to other services as appropriate. Formulate appropriate assessments. Formulate a massage treatment plan independently or with other health care professionals. Close collaboration with many disciplines through NWI is required, including participation on numerous multidisciplinary programs, committees, etc. Subject matter expert on evidence-based massage and will provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care. Communicate effectively via a variety of communication mediums and with a broad range of audiences including clinical, administrative, technical and community. Skills in the selection and use of the appropriate massage tools and supplies based on need of the patient. Complete thorough medical SOAP notes with prognosis, goals and outcome measures in electronic health record system. The massage therapist will document oral informed consent document and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following VHA policies. Attend required meetings and participate in various multidisciplinary facility programs and committees as assigned. Maintain up-to-date VHA and professional trainings including CEU requirements to maintain appropriate state licensure. Maintains HIPAA guidelines ensuring confidentiality of all information to ensure the privacy of patients in accordance with medical center privacy guidelines. Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: TBD by manager Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
