Recreation Assistant (Tai Chi/ Qigong Instructor)

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. Experience / Supervised Practice. Applicants must have a minimum of 50 hours of supervised tai chi or qigong instruction. c. Education. The individual must have accumulated a minimum of 150 hours of formal Tai Chi or Qigong Instructor education. The 150-hour requirement may include the 50 hours of supervised instruction under 4(b) and any time spent in a formal educational program leading to certification under 4(d). d. Certification. Candidates must be currently certified to provide tai chi or qigong instruction. Acceptable certifications must have required successful completion of a minimum 30-hour tai chi or qigong instruction program. (1) Exception for Non-Certified / Non-Registered Tai Chi / Qigong Instructors. (a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be temporarily appointed as a Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). (b) Non-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a certified Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor at or above the full performance level. (c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry-level and may not be promoted / converted until certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-certified Tai Chi / Qigong Instructors may not be extended beyond 2 years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (2) Failure to Obtain Certification / Registration. In all cases, Tai Chi / Qigong Instructors must actively pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor supervisor provides the Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor with the written requirements for certification / registration, including the time the certification / registration must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain certification / registration during this period may result in termination of employment. (3) Loss of Credential. In collaboration with HR staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation who fail to maintain the required certification / registration, which may also result in separation from employment. e. English Language Proficiency. Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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 : Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor, GS-06. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience is equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs : (a) Skill in providing and modifying tai chi (e.g., seated tai chi, bedside instruction, etc.) and / or qigong as part of the complementary and integrative health approaches to meet the needs of individuals of all abilities. (b) Skill in applying tai chi / qigong modalities to patients with physical or psycho-social challenges. (c) Skill in developing marketing tools (flyers, advertisements, web invites, etc.). (d) Ability to develop a calendar or schedule of classes for participants. (e) Ability to assess inventory for the purposes of developing a budget and ordering supplies. d. Advanced Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor, GS-07. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience is equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs : (a) Skill in reviewing and monitoring data to ensure all records and reports are complete and accurate. (b) Ability to apply tai chi / qigong principles and techniques to effectively address a wide variety of highly complex patient conditions. (c) Knowledge of data analysis strategies used to optimize quality, efficiency, performance and productivity. (d) Ability to develop tai chi / qigong course curriculum and associated education materials. Preferred Experience : Experience instructing participants on the foundational guidelines of tai chi / qigong (basic principles of Chinese medicine, including the theoretical background of internal Qi trajectories, primary meridians, Qi cultivation principles and utilization of the Dantians) focusing on relieving pain, stress, poor circulation and enhancing strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular health. Experience communicating effectively with class participants (knowing participants names, motivating participants, answering questions, use tact when addressing concerns and problems) to inspire a fun, enjoyable and positive environment while fostering wellness and engagement. Experience applying tai chi / qigong principles and techniques to effectively address a wide variety of highly complex patient conditions. Experience developing tai chi / qigong course curriculum and associated education materials. Experience in providing and modifying tai chi (e.g., seated tai chi, bedside instruction, etc.) and / or qigong to meet the needs of individuals of all abilities, including those with physical or psycho-social challenges. Experience in developing a calendar or schedule of classes for participants. Experience documenting in an electronic medical record, ensuring all records and reports are complete and accurate. . Reference : For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https : / / www.va.gov / ohrm / QualificationStandards / . 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 6 to 7. Physical Requirements : Physical See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.