This position is located in the Chief of Staff- Whole Health System of the Amarillo VA Health Care System (AMAVAHCS) facility, to be supervised by the Whole Health System and Program Manager of the AMAVAHCS. The massage therapist is responsible for being self-directed in the delivery of patient care. This position is located at the Lubbock CBOC. ???????This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 4/27/2022. Additional applications will be referred as needed. 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, 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. 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, or by maintaining a board certification from the NCBTMB. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service, paragraph 2. 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. Preferred Experience: 1.) Ability to teach deep breathing-techniques and relaxation during massage therapy. 2.) Ability to perform deep tissue massage therapy. 3.) Ability to prepare client for various massage therapy techniques to prepare client for the experience. Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Massage Therapy) GS-8 - Advanced Clinical Level 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:1.) Skill in providing advanced massage techniques using the appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment based on the needs of the patient;2.) Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to massage therapy within specialty population(s);3.) Ability to modify massage therapy techniques based on an understanding of specialty populations, and various clinical/environmental settings;4.) Knowledge of teaching methods and learning principles;5.) Ability to conduct research and quality improvement activities, related to massage therapy; and6.). Knowledge of complementary integrative health, and holistic health principles. References: VA Handbook 5005/108 Part II Appendix G26 dated March 12, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: The position will require moderate lifting/carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling/pushing (1 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (>1 hours), standing (4 hours), kneeling (<1 hours), repeated bending (<1 hours), climbing, legs only (<1 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted). ["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. Functions: Utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. Incorporates various massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education. Provides advanced 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. 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. 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. Knowledgeable of complementary integrative health and holistic health principles. Mentors other staff in best massage therapy practices. Under routine academic oversight, the massage therapist assists with clinical supervision of massage therapy students. Subject matter expert, responsible for mentoring other massage therapists and participating in educational activities. Knowledgeable of teaching methods and learning principles, and will assist other staff through education as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team. Documents 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 up-to-date with VHA and professional trainings. Required professional meetings must be attended. 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. Responsible for identifying, collecting and analyzing aggregate patient care information to ensure safety and quality of care. Reviews 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, 8:00am - 4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]