The Pain Management Licensed Massage Therapist will treat a wide range of conditions impacting the health and function of a diverse patient population at the VA Puget Sound, Seattle campus. The LMT will have applicable knowledge of therapeutic massage concepts, principles and practices, and encompass a full range of complex treatment procedures and modalities. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) 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 (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. 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-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. (c) 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: Prefer at least 3 years of full time clinical experience as an LMT after graduation/completion of massage therapy schooling/training/certification. Prefer prior experience in a pain clinic setting, ideally a multidisciplinary pain clinic with rehabilitation focus. Prefer additional massage certification(s) beyond basic licensure (e.g., orofacial, lymphatic). Prefer prior inpatient and/or hospital clinical massage experience. Prefer prior experience working as part of an interdisciplinary care team. Prefer experience with chronic pain and/or oncology/palliative care/hospice/end of life patients/clients, clinical massage, rehabilitation, structural integration, myofascial technique, neuromuscular/neurofascial technique, somatic education training, abdominal visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, and/or trigger point therapy. Prefer 750+ hours of massage educational training. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/108 March 12, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G56 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Straight pulling; Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of Fingers; Both hands required; Walking; Standing; Kneeling: Repeated bending; Both legs required; 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; depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted) Environmental Factors: Working closely with others; Working alone ["GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNED DUTIES Individualized massage therapy treatment Independent therapist who will be responsible for providing individualized massage therapy treatment to Veterans to promote the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. Massage therapy and bodywork techniques taught within their professional education, including: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement/percussion, friction, vibration, passive and active stretching, and appropriate draping. Advanced massage therapy services of greater complexity applied to specialty populations in various clinical/environmental settings with limited supervision. Changing linen between patients, refilling oils, cleaning massage table/chair/arm rest/equipment, and providing a clean, calm environment. Demonstrate tact, courtesy and a positive approach to communication and interaction with other employees, visitors, providers, and the public. Patient care may be delivered via various modalities (e.g., in person, video)and in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and/or functional rehabilitation/domiciliary areas. Patient care may occur on an individual basis or in groups. Work with Pain leadership and other Pain Clinic team members to develop new services and novel modes of care, potentially seeing patients together with other provider(s) in multidisciplinary/team visits Instruction, education, and mentoring Providing massage therapy instruction, education and mentoring staff regarding best massage therapy practices. Provides instruction for self-care to patient and family/caregivers as determined appropriate. Educates patients on a healthy lifestyle, including hydration, basic nutrition, stretching, exercise, mind-body techniques, sleep habits, stress management and other matters related to massage therapy care. Communication techniques, including, but not limited to MyHealtheVet, handouts and oral instruction. Knowledge of complementary/integrative health and holistic health principles. Mentors other staff in best massage therapy practices. Under routine academic oversight, assists with clinical supervision of learners/students from a variety of backgrounds. Subject matter expert, responsible for mentoring other massage therapists and staff, and participating in educational activities. Complete Clinical Notes in electronic health record system Keeping accurate clinical records within the VA's electronic health records system. Document and code information related to patient care. Maintain comprehensive records of innovative treatment procedures for future application and/or analysis. Consent shall be completed prior to treatment in accordance with VA and local requirements. Member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. Maintain Trainings and attend required meetings Maintaining up to date training within the VHA and professional trainings, including but not limited to twenty-four hours of continuing education every two years and remain current on BLS. Failure to maintain required licensure may result in termination of employment. Required professional/VA meetings must be attended. Undergoes and provides staff development and training. Research and quality improvement Research and quality improvement activities related to massage therapy as requested by the Section/Service Line. Identifying, collecting, analyzing and reporting patient care information to ensure safety, quality of care, and improved outcomes. Collecting data and participate in Quality Improvement. Administration Adhere to service line and facility policies. Patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to other services or providers when necessary. Report all safety hazards and faulty equipment to their Program Manager/Service Line and assist with determining and scheduling routine maintenance and ordering of massage therapy equipment. Ensure patient privacy and confidentiality. Contribute to the promotion of Complementary Integrative Health services to further the VA Whole Health agenda. Managing their own time and adhering to their tour of duty by completing evaluations, treatments and documentation as scheduled and establishing coverage when required. Reviews/monitors their own documentation to ensure all records and reports are complete and accurate. Orienting and provide on-the-job training for new and current massage therapists and staff. Helping to expand the Pain Clinic's services and serve as a liaison between Pain Clinic, Whole Health and other department/Service Line. Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 or 0800-1630 Telework: Yes-Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
