Career Center

This position will be assigned to the Whole Health/CIH section within Primary Care Services in the Montana VA Health Care System and has openings in Billings, Ft. Harrison and Missoula, MT. The massage therapist utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan to provide individualized massage therapy treatment. The massage therapist incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-5: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) (Entry Level) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) (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). GS-7: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) (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 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: Refer to VA Handbook 5005/108, Part II, Appendix G56 The full performance level of this vacancy is 7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service, paragraph 2. ["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. Basic massage therapy includes, but is not limited, to effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement/percussion, friction, vibration, passive and active stretching, and draping. Massage therapists may utilize mechanical tools and the external applications of water, heat, and cold to enhance therapeutic benefits. Massage therapists incorporate knowledge of various systems of anatomy, physiology and pathology to apply a plan of care for those with a variety of soft tissue dysfunctions, stress related conditions and imbalances, utilizing a variety of techniques commonly taught in massage therapy schools. The massage therapist is responsible for changing linen between patients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment. The massage therapist 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. The massage therapist mentors other staff in best massage therapy practices. Under routine academic oversight, the massage therapist assists with clinical supervision of massage therapy students The massage therapist is required to use various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes. The massage therapist shall document and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. Consent and other required documentation shall be completed prior to treatment in accordance with VA WCHCS requirements. The massage therapist functions as a member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. The massage therapist shall maintain up-to-date educational requirements in accordance to VHA and other accrediting and certifying agencies. Required professional meetings must be attended. The massage therapist may review patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to others services when necessary, including care in the community. The massage therapist is the subject matter expert on massage therapy and related body work services and will provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Health Technician-Massage Therapy/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]