The Fargo Veterans Administration Medical and Regional Office
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The Fargo Veterans Administration Medical and Regional Office was established in October 1921 as a Veterans Bureau Office, initially located in the Emerson-Brantingham Building on N.P. Avenue in Fargo. It later moved to the Riley Building on Roberts Street in November 1922. In November 1924, it became a Regional Office with jurisdiction over North Dakota, 13 counties in Minnesota, and three in Montana.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated medical facility for veterans, local leaders advocated for a hospital in Fargo. Their efforts led to the federal government’s purchase of a 50-acre site from Martin Hector in August 1926. Construction of the 57-bed hospital began on July 2, 1928, and was completed by February 19, 1929, at a cost of $233,972.
The hospital admitted its first patients on June 3, 1929, and was officially dedicated on June 29, 1929, by General Frank T. Hines and American Legion National Commander Paul V. McNutt.
Over the years, the facility expanded to accommodate the growing veteran population. In the 1930s, additions increased capacity to 184 beds, and further construction in the 1940s included a new five-story structure housing over 200 beds. Today, the Fargo VA Health Care System is a Joint Commission-accredited medical/surgical hospital with 36 acute care beds and a 38-bed Community Living Center. It oversees healthcare for more than 34,000 veterans across North Dakota, 17 counties in northwest Minnesota, and one county in northeast South Dakota.
Salary and Job Type
- Annual Pay: $40,332 – $64,952
- Employment Type: Part-time
Application Encouragement:
- Fair chance applicants
- Military personnel encouraged
Location and Commute Details
- Work Address: 2101 Elm St N, Fargo, ND 58102
- Commute Estimation: Applicants can input their address to estimate commute time.
Job Responsibilities
Primary Duties:
The role involves multiple key responsibilities, including but not limited to:
- Delivering Personalized Massage Therapy Services:
- Assess patient needs through standard evaluation methods to create treatment plans.
- Apply various massage techniques based on professional training.
- Perform advanced massage therapy with minimal supervision.
- Coordinate follow-up care where needed.
- Ensure a clean environment by replacing linens, refilling oils, and sanitizing massage areas.
- Providing Instruction and Guidance on Massage Therapy:
- Educate patients and families on self-care techniques.
- Offer guidance on hydration, nutrition, exercise, stretching, sleep habits, and stress management.
- Mentor other staff in massage therapy best practices.
- Under supervision, support clinical training for massage therapy students.
- Utilize communication strategies to educate individuals and groups effectively.
- Documenting Patient Information:
- Record treatment notes and relevant patient data in the VA’s electronic health system.
- Ensure consent documentation is completed before administering treatment.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals as needed.
- Continuing Education and Participation in Meetings:
- Stay updated on VA and professional training requirements.
- Attend mandatory meetings.
- Administrative Duties:
- Review patient referrals to determine eligibility for care.
- Direct patients to alternative services when necessary.
- Serve as the subject matter expert on massage therapy, offering professional guidance when needed.
Work Conditions and Additional Information
- Schedule & Work Setting:
- Workdays: Wednesdays and Fridays
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Telework: Not available
- Virtual Position: No
- Incentives and Relocation:
- No relocation or recruitment incentives available.
- No Permanent Change of Station (PCS) reimbursement.
Application Requirements
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for this position, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Pass a drug screening test prior to employment.
- Register for Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Demonstrate English proficiency in both written and spoken forms.
- Undergo a background check.
- Complete an online onboarding process.
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participate in the VA’s seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Qualifications:
This is a continuous job posting, and applications will be accepted until May 15, 2025.
- Basic Qualifications: Must have completed at least a 500-hour massage therapy education program.
- Foreign Graduates: Those with equivalent training and valid certification/licensure in the U.S. may qualify.
Licensure Requirement:
- Must hold an active and unrestricted massage therapy license, certification, or registration in any U.S. state or territory.
- Must have passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam, or an equivalent state exam.
- Alternatively, a board certification from NCBTMB is acceptable.
Temporary Appointments:
Candidates who meet all eligibility criteria but lack certification may receive a temporary two-year appointment as a Graduate Health Technician (Massage Therapy). Failure to obtain certification within this timeframe will result in job termination.
Grade and Experience Requirements:
- GS-5 (Entry Level): No additional experience required beyond the basic education and certification.
- GS-6 (Developmental Level): One year of GS-5 equivalent experience.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in various massage techniques and draping.
- Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic effects of massage.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary healthcare setting.
- Awareness of patient safety guidelines.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- GS-7 (Full Performance Level): One year of GS-6 equivalent experience performing massage therapy.
- Must demonstrate the ability to assess physical/mental status and determine appropriate treatment.
- Skills in patient education and group communication.
- Strong interpersonal relationship skills.
- Ability to guide staff and students in best massage therapy practices.
- Preferred: At least one year of experience as a licensed massage therapist.
Physical and Educational Requirements
Physical Demands:
Applicants must pass a pre-employment medical evaluation. Any additional physical requirements will be determined during the hiring process.
Education:
- Important: If you are using education to qualify, you must submit official transcripts.
- Only degrees from U.S. Department of Education-accredited institutions will be considered.
- Foreign education must be validated through a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Additional Information
Benefits:
Federal employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. Benefits eligibility depends on whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
Veterans’ Preference:
Eligible veterans should claim 5-point (TP), 10-point (CP/CPS/XP) or Sole Survivor Preference (SSP). Required documentation includes:
- DD-214 (for proof of military service)
- SF-15 (for 10-point preference applicants)
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Fair Hiring Practices:
The Fair Chance to Compete Act prohibits inquiries into an applicant’s criminal history before making a conditional job offer. The VA is committed to a Whole Health approach, focusing on comprehensive well-being for veterans and employees alike.
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit an application online via USAJOBS.gov before May 15, 2025. A complete application package must include:
- Resume
- Transcript (if using education to qualify)
- Additional documents such as cover letters, licenses, professional certifications, and veterans’ preference forms (if applicable).
Evaluation Process:
Applicants will be assessed based on their qualifications. Ensure that all experience and credentials are clearly documented, as no assumptions will be made. Selected candidates may be subject to pre-employment reference checks.
Application Follow-Up:
Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon submission. To track application status, log into your USAJOBS account. Candidates who are referred for further review may be contacted for interviews.
Contact Information
Hiring Agency: Fargo VA Medical Center
Point of Contact: Marquell Steed
Phone: (702) 334-7190
Email: [email protected]
Participation in the seasonal influenza program is mandatory for all VA health personnel. Those who do not comply with the flu vaccination requirement must wear a protective face mask. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they arise. The VA ensures fair hiring practices and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the working hours for this position?
- The position requires working on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is a part-time role with a set schedule.
- Is remote or virtual work an option for this role?
- No, telework is not available for this position and it is not a virtual role. The selected candidate must work on-site at Fargo VA Medical Center, North Dakota.
- What qualifications are required to apply for this position?
- Applicants must have:
- Completed a minimum of 500 hours in a massage therapy education program.
- A valid license, registration, or certification to practice as a massage therapist in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Passed the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or an equivalent state-issued exam.
- Applicants must have:
- Do I need prior experience as a massage therapist?
- GS-5 (Entry Level): No additional experience is required beyond the basic education and certification.
- GS-6 (Developmental Level): At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-5 is required.
- GS-7 (Full Performance Level): At least one year of experience at GS-6 level is required.
- What are the main responsibilities of this job?
- Key duties include:
- Providing individualized massage therapy treatments and evaluating patients.
- Educating patients on self-care techniques, including stretching, exercise, and stress management.
- Documenting treatments in the VA’s electronic health records system.
- Maintaining training and attending required meetings.
- Reviewing referrals and coordinating patient care when necessary.
- Key duties include:
- Is there a drug screening or background check required?
- Yes, applicants must pass a urinalysis drug screening before employment. A background and security check is also required.
- What benefits are offered for this position?
- As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to:
- Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Potential service credit towards federal employment benefits based on prior work or military service.
- As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to:
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