The massage therapist treats a wide range of conditions, and can be used alone or as an adjunct to standard medical care. 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. 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. 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. (a) Education, Experience, and Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements in paragraph 3. Health Technician (Massage Therapy), GS-6 - Developmental Level (a) 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: (b) 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 (a) 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: (b) 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. Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-8 - Advanced Clinical Level (a) 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: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities??????? i. Skill in providing advanced massage techniques using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient; ii. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to massage therapy within specialty population(s); iii. 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; v. Ability to conduct research and quality improvement activities, related to massage therapy; and vi. Knowledge of complementary integrative health, and holistic health principles. Preferred Experience: Preferred experience and certification in Alexander Technique, acupressure, reflexology, Zero Balancing, and/or aromatherapy. References: VA Handbook 5005, 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-8. ??????? Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service, paragraph 2. ["ASSIGNED DUTIES: Task #1: Provide individualized massage therapy treatment Massage therapists at this level perform basic massage therapy services under close supervision. The therapist functions independently in carrying out services of limited complexity. The massage therapist 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. The massage therapist is responsible for changing linen between patients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest, and providing a clean, calm environment. Task #2: Provide massage therapy instruction 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. Task #3: Complete clinical notes in electronic health record system 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 shall be completed prior to treatment in accordance with local requirements. The massage therapist functions as a member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. Task #4: Maintain trainings and attend required meetings The massage therapist shall maintain up-to-date with VHA and professional trainings. Required professional meetings must be attended. Task #5: Research and quality improvement The massage therapist participates in research and quality improvement activities related to massage therapy. 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 is responsible for identifying, collecting and analyzing aggregate patient care information to ensure safety and quality of care. Task #6: Administration The massage therapist may review patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to others services when necessary. 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. Please Note this position will require 25% or more of local community travel. Work Schedule: M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
