Massage Therapist - Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Massage Therapist - Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management to deliver evidence-based, scientifically supported massage therapy for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain. As part of an interdisciplinary care team, the therapist will collect basic medical histories, assess patient conditions, recommend appropriate treatment techniques, and monitor care throughout the course of therapy.

The role also involves communicating progress and updates to referring providers to ensure coordinated, high-quality care. Massage therapy services are provided through physician referral and are designed to support effective, patient-centered outcomes across the full continuum of care. This position is part of HJF's support of the Defense and Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management (DVCIPM) and is based in an outpatient clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• The massage therapist performs medically-related massage therapy procedures and modalities as prescribed by the referring physician and in coordination with the established treatment plan.
• Prior to initiating treatment, the therapist interviews the patient obtaining health and medical history and current medication routine; obtains patient-reported outcomes using an online DoD platform; observes and examines the patient; and consults with a credentialed/referring provider as necessary to determine appropriateness of the medical massage plan.
• The massage therapist recognizes the indications and contra-indications for treatment, assumes responsibility for patient care, evaluates and reports the reactions and outcomes of treatment (via patient-reported outcome data, clinical interview, and therapist evaluation), and recommends modifications to such treatment as appropriate.
• Treatment consists of providing effective, evidence-based massage techniques of the soft body tissues for a variety of musculoskeletal pain, injury and/or medical conditions. Massage techniques need to promote relaxation, stress reduction, wellness, enhanced movement and body awareness, in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team, plan for meeting patient's purposes and goals in the healthcare environment.
• Incorporates massage therapy modalities such as compression, friction, gliding/stroking, holding, kneading, lifting, movement and mobilization, percussion, and vibration to promote movement and decrease pain. Considers medical contraindications to massage such as deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or blood thinners, damaged blood vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, or fractures, and fever prior to initiating treatment and through consultation with referring provider.
• Treatment using other supporting physical modalities may be used depending on the patient's specific needs and physician referral. Modalities may include hot and cold agents (compresses, ice or hot packs, stones and hydrotherapy).
• Attends and participates in patient case conferences, team huddles, department meetings, and other appropriate medical massage activities.
• Serves as an advisor to interdisciplinary team on issues surrounding medical massage care providing technical advice and specialty consult upon request from healthcare providers.
• Counsels patients on matters relating to massage care for pain-related conditions.
• Works under general supervision of the Director of the Primary Care Medical Home.
• Follows relevant standards of practice and performs duties within the designated Scope of Practice for Massage Therapists.
• Documents information related to all patient care in accordance with guidelines from the Army, Defense Health Agency, and The Joint Commission.
• Documentation may include but is not limited to preliminary assessment data, progress/ change in status, education/ training provided, therapeutic interventions performed (i.e., modalities and activities), comments from patient, attainment of goals, and functional status upon completion of treatment.

Education and Experience

• Associates Degree required in a scientific field (e.g. Biology, Anatomy).
  Minimum of 6-8 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical sciences underlying massage therapy, including anatomy, physiology, and structural kinesiology.
• Knowledge of medical research regarding massage therapy, including evidence-based approaches for specific populations with pain conditions.
• Knowledge and understanding of the anatomic structures and their locations along with functions, interactions and relevant medical terminologies and relate this information to the practice of massage therapy, indications, contraindications, cautions and benefits.
• Knowledge of the theory of massage body mechanics as well as hands-on practice of massage techniques in which there is no fracture, joint dislocation, and/or potential myofascial problems.
  Knowledge of the neuromusculoskeletal system and biomechanics.
• Knowledge of basic aspects of assessment process, treatment planning, documentation, procedures, and relative terminology related to massage therapy services in medical settings.
• Knowledge and skill in the performance of massage therapy procedures/modalities and the resulting physiologic and psychological effects.
• Ability to communicate with interdisciplinary team members regarding questions or concerns related to use of medications and/or drug therapies as it relates to the patient's medical treatment plan.
• Knowledge and basic understanding of various diseases and conditions and how they affect the trunk, spine, upper and lower extremities.
• Knowledge about medical contraindications to massage such as deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or blood thinners, damaged blood vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, fractures and fever.
• Ability to provide technical massage therapy advice and professional opinions upon request from healthcare providers.
• Knowledge in providing information for medical-legal issues, business practices, and professionalism of the massage therapy in medical settings.
• Ability to pass a background check and obtain secret clearance in the Department of Defense.
• Massage therapy skills that are effective in improving patient outcomes (e.g., physical functioning, pain interference).
• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret security clearance.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials over 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Licenses and Certifications

• Licensed Massage Therapist (L.M.T.) qualification is required.
• Completion of a massage therapy program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education (to include a minimum 600 hours in-person classroom training; with at least 100 hours of which cover anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology; and the remaining 500 hours include a majority of hours in massage therapy theory, technique, supervised practice, professional ethics, professional standards, business practices, health and hygiene, contraindications of massage, and research).

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a hospital setting.

Compensation

• The hourly pay range for this position is $32.45 - $52.00 per hour. Actual hourly pay will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.
  

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.