The purpose of this position is to restore function, prevent further decline, to increase independence and to promote community re-integration for one or more treatment areas of the PM&R Occupational Therapy Program. This includes the responsibility of planning, integrating, and coordinating one or more of the Occupational Therapy areas for patients who present with a spectrum of medical, physical, and cognitive disabilities. 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 and/or Experience: You must meet at least one of the following requirements below: Bachelor's degree: in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist. Transcript must be provided. NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field. NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that ACOTE would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. Transcript must be provided OR Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. Transcript must be provided NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy NOTE: A transcript must be uploaded with your application package. No assumptions can be made. Certification: You must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. NOTE: OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2). Copy of Certification must be provided Licensure: You must possess a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia. NOTE: OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2). Copy of current unexpired Licensure must be provided. English Language Proficiency: Occupational Therapists must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed. 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: To qualify for a GS-09 OT, you must meet the basic requirements listed above. To qualify for a GS-11 OT, you must have completed one year of experience equivalent to the GS-09. OR Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. OR Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field. OR Doctorate in occupational therapy. AND In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. To qualify for a GS-12 OT, you must have complete one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 and be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) listed below: Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence-based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities and procedures to meet the needs of patients. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. Preferred Experience: CHT, Lymphedema Certified References: VA Handbook 5005/127 PART II APPENDIX G14 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. ["Major duties include but are not limited to: Independent evaluation of the patient's functional abilities by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine Occupational Therapy needs. Based on findings from the evaluation, incumbent plans an effective and specialized treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the disabilities & conditions being treated. Develops and carries out a full range of Occupational Therapy treatment using a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional treatment techniques and modalities. Works effectively with patients, families, friends, treatment team members, volunteers, and primary providers. Thoroughly documents patient status and progress, therapy plan, and patient response to treatment using both verbal and written means of communication. Develops and implements individualized Occupational Therapy treatment programs for patients. The Occupational Therapist may also be required to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Occupational Therapy Service to which he/she is assigned. Follows all Joint Commission, VA, CARF, OSHA, etc. safety policies and procedures including infection control and equipment usage. The therapist will take steps to ensure that patients under their care comply with the same. The therapist is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely scheduling of appointments and electronic waiting list entries consistent with nationally established business rules and completes annual mandatory scheduling training. Completes patient encounters information electronically. Consistently communicates with customers (e.g., veterans, family members, the public) in a courteous, tactful, and helpful manner. Communication, both oral and/or written, is provided promptly and is responsive to the customer's needs. Work Schedule: 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
