Career Center

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. The OTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by an occupational therapist. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 04/26/2022. Additional applications will be referred as needed. See Additional Information section. 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. Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: 1) Associate's [or higher] degree in occupational therapy from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). 2) Completion of a military training program in an OTA program accredited by the ACOTE. Certification: OTAs must have written documentation that they have passed the entry-level certification examination for OTAs administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Licensure: OTAs must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e. Puerto Rico) or in the District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency: OTA 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: Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-06 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practice. (b) Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication(c) Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. (d) Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. (e) Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives. (f) Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory. Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-07 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in promoting occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. (b) Ability to perform in depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans. (c) Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients. (d) Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual. Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-08 Experience: One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to implement delegated assessments. (b) Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance. (c) Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status. (d) Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. (e) Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment. (f) Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the occupational therapy scope of practice and services. Preferred Experience: 1. Experience with manual and powerchair fitting and training. 2. Experience with telehealth for occupational therapy appointments. 3. Knowledge in treatment of chronic pain utilizing a biopsychosocial approach. 4. Ability to utilize more complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills, to maximize patient's functional status. 5. Ability to modify and adapt therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. 6. Ability to identify and recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment. References: VA Handbook 5005/145 Part II Appendix G22 dated May 27, 2021. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08. Physical Requirements: The position will require heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), heavy carrying (45 pounds and over), straight pulling (1 hour), pushing (1 hour), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking (2 hours), standing (2 hours), kneeling (1 hour), and repeated bending (1 hour). ["The Occupational Therapy Assistant contributes to the screening, evaluation, and re-evaluation process by administering delegated assessments and reporting observations and client performance to the OT. Clinical guidance/supervision is congruent with the OT As scope of practice relating to their licensure. Additional duties may include clinical training of occupational therapy assistant students, high school health occupations students, and completion of various administrative tasks within the department. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out throughout the medical center including various clinical, administrative and patient care areas associated with OH&RMS. Duties will include, but are not limited to:\nReceives and interprets requests or instructions for occupational therapy procedures. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information to assist with patient management under supervision of an occupational therapist. Applies occupational therapy procedures and treatment programs to patients under the general supervision of an occupational therapist, seeks guidance for more complex clients' and specialized treatment procedures. Secures the confidence and cooperation of veterans during treatment. Interacts with the patient and family to explain therapy procedures, discuss treatment plans and motivate veterans and family members to comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. May oversee and assist lower graded assistants. Assists with or independently renders specialized occupational therapy treatments and procedures based on the assessed needs of the patient. Monitors and records veteran's condition during treatment. Takes appropriate measures to sustain patient's condition during treatment and takes appropriate action when deviations in veteran's condition are recognized. Records veteran's response to treatment and ensures that this is made part of the permanent medical record. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, as needed. Assists with the screening, evaluation and re-evaluation process by implementing specifically delegated assessments for which competency has been established and by providing verbal or written reports of observations and client capacities to the Occupational Therapist. Adapts and adjusts occupational therapy procedures as needed. Assists occupational therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals. Independently modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches with prior approval of the therapist. Makes modifications within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran and sociocultural context. Modifies intervention environment, tools, materials, and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment. Adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs. Coordinates appointments between patient and MSA through both telephone and in­person contact. The incumbent will follow agreed upon frequency and duration, and assist patients with scheduling preferences. The incumbent is responsible for the accurate and timely notification to MSA regarding rescheduling of cancelled appointments, appointments due to clinic cancellations, to ensure all affected patients are notified in timely manner according to Medical Center Policy. Participates in OT department and PM&R service program development and quality improvement projects to include but not limited to peer reviews, committee membership and process improvement projects. Assists with education of the medical center staff about the role of Occupational Therapy and services available for veterans. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1630. Rotating weekends as needed.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation Incentives: May be authorized to Highly Qualified Individual.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nNote: This is a Bargaining Unit Position."]