Health Technician (Massage Therapy)

Department of Veterans Affairs

Massage Therapists at the Batavia VA Medical Center treat a wide range of conditions. Medical massage therapy may be used alone or as an adjunct to standard medical care and techniques including effleurage, petrissage, tapotement/percussion, friction, vibration, passive and active stretching, and draping. Licensed Massage therapists can use a variety of techniques commonly taught in massage therapy schools.

• Massage Therapy is the practice of manual assessment and manipulation of the superficial soft tissues of skin, muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia, and the structures that lie within the superficial tissues. The Health Technician (Massage Therapy) occupation provides clinical services that address a vast array of problems impacting the health and function of a diverse patient population. The work requires the application of knowledge of therapeutic massage concepts, principles and practices, and encompasses a large variety of modalities from Western and Eastern traditions. GS 5: This is an entry level position to the Full Performance Level. Massage therapists at this level perform basic medical 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 provides medical massage therapy instruction for selfcare 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 medical massage therapy care. The massage therapist may review patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to other services when necessary. GS 6: Employees at this grade level serve as developmental Health Technicians (Massage Therapy) and perform treatments which are routine and standardized in nature. 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 medical massage therapy instruction for selfcare 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 functions as a member of the health care team and communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. The massage therapist may review patient referrals to screen for appropriateness of care and direct Veterans to other services when necessary. The massage therapist is the subject matter expert on medical massage therapy and related body work services and will provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care. GS 7: Incumbents at this grade level serve as independent Health Technicians (Massage Therapy) and perform a full range of treatments which are routine, standardized, and with higher complexity in nature. The incumbent utilizes standard patient evaluation procedures to formulate a treatment plan. The incumbent performs massage therapy services of greater complexity with limited supervision and coordinate follow up care as indicated. The incumbent provides massage therapy instruction for self-care to patient and family as determined appropriate. The incumbent 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 incumbent mentor's other staff in best massage therapy practices. Under routine academic oversight, the incumbent assists with clinical supervision of massage therapy students. The incumbent is required to use various communication techniques to encourage and educate individuals and groups to enhance massage therapy outcomes. The incumbent shall document and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following established policies. The incumbent will 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. Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday-Friday variable day tour (7:00am-3:30pm, 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm). Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 99296-FS, 99295-FS, 24367-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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