Occupational Therapist Job

Vacancy No. CBTC-12640483-25-DMD Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $59,966.00 to $113,047.00 Grade 9 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/20/2024 Close Date 12/31/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Jacksonville, FLLake City, FL


Summary

The Occupational Therapist will be responsible for evaluations and treatments to veteran/patients at either the Lake City VA Medical Center or the Jacksonville Outpatient Clinic within the North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System mission. The Occupational Therapist will provide coverage of services in Acute Care, Outpatient, and Extended Care settings as needed. This is a developmental position and may be selected at the GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12 grade level.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to ALL US Citizens - Veterans Preference WILL APPLY. Internal Applicants, including ALL Federal Employees, Department of Veterans Affairs (Agency - VHA, VBA, NCA) Employees, and North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System (Facility) Employees, and Current/Past VHA Health Professional Trainee (HPT) Graduates should apply to Job Opportunity Announcement CBTC-12640484-25-DMD. Facility Employees will have FIRST consideration.

Duties

The Occupational Therapist will provide coverage of the services provided by Occupational Therapy within the scope of their grade level and in a career developmental position progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wider range of human function systems.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) at the GS-09 grade level serve as entry level OTs with a basic foundation of OT and typically have guidance from more experienced therapists. OTs that are not yet licensed must practice in the supervision of a Licensed OT.

Occupational Therapists at the GS-11 grade level serve as beyond entry level OTs but still in a career development position progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wider range of human function systems. The GS-11 OT is able to administer routine assessments but lacks the experience to adapt routine assessments when needed with complex individuals. The therapist has an expanding basic foundation of OT and generally practices independently. OTs at this level typically have guidance from more experienced therapists on complex patient or health systems.

The Occupational Therapist at the GS-12 level independently develops and implements individualized occupational therapy treatment programs for all patients referred for consultation. They work effectively with patients, families, care partners, and treatment team members. The incumbent is also responsible for coordination and supervision of treatment plans with the staff Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) if position exists. The therapist will coordinate and supervise students and volunteers that rotate through the OT section. The incumbent may assist with developing practices and procedures of occupational therapy services that are necessary to plan and direct the wide range of activities relating to the overall operation of an occupational therapy program in a Complex (1a), large, highly affiliated VA Medical Center.

At all levels, duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Evaluates the veterans Occupational Profile providing an understanding of the client occupational history, experiences, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs, motor and process skills and communication/interaction skills. The veteran's problems and concerns about performing occupations and daily life activities are identified and priorities are determined. Targeted outcomes are also identified. Initial OT evaluation will follow established guidelines.
  • Develops an intervention plan based on evaluation findings, OT theory and evidence-based practice. This plan is to be developed in collaboration with the veteran and care partners as appropriate. The plan will consider potential discharge needs. The plan will include objective and measurable goals with an established timeframe.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across some areas of practice as appropriate as an entry level practitioner.
  • Offers treatment interventions tailored to the client's abilities/needs and design to promote, modify, maintain or restore occupational performance.
  • Documents the veteran's response to treatment, therapists' interventions and the progress toward reaching the desired targeted outcomes as per VA regulations and section guidelines.
  • Determines the need for continuation, discontinuation or referral.
  • Develops and coordinate educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevents premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment.
  • Monitors currently used assessments/treatment methods and revise as necessary to reflect current methodology and Joint Commission, AOTA, State licensure, CMS and other appropriate regulating bodies' standards.
  • Demonstrates ability to facilitate safe patient assisted transfers to and from chair, bed, toilet, and car.
  • Demonstrates physical ability to facilitate patient neuro-motor function using hands-on techniques.
  • Collaborates with staff throughout the medical center to create an environment that will maximize the veteran's functional abilities and their quality of life.
  • Works effectively with treatment team and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's Total care. Serves as full team member on assigned wards.
  • Fosters an environment that values and respects individual differences. Takes an active role in prevention of harassment behavior and adheres to policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
There are two locations:
  1. Jacksonville 2 VA Clinic
  2. Lake City


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD51266F, PD51334F, and PD51330F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
  • English Language Proficiency. Occupational Therapists must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
  • Education and/or Experience-Transcripts Submitted. The individual 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. 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.-OR-
    • Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy
PLEASE 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 Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220.
  • Certification-Documentation-Submitted if applicable. Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an OT.
  • State Licensure-Submitted if applicable.. Candidates 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.
EXCEPTIONS FOR THE GRADUATE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST:
  • OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum 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 (2) years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. S 7405(c)(2).
  • Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grade levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed.
  • A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
  • Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two (2) years nor converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • In all cases, graduate OTs must actively pursue obtaining required credentials (i.e., NBCOT certification and/or state licensure) from the date of their appointment. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment.
GRADE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the Basic Requirements provided in paragraph 4 of the Veterans Health Administration - Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard - GS-0631 (formerly VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14), the following are the grade requirements.

Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist GS-9:
  • GS-9 Experience, Education, or Licensure: No post-educational experience, education, or licensure is required at the GS-9 level beyond the Basic Requirements.
  • Assignment. See the referenced Qualification Standard for additional information.
Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist GS-11:
  • GS-11 Experience, Education, AND Licensure-Documentation Submitted: In addition to the Basic Requirements, an Occupational Therapist at the GS-11 level MUST be certified AND licensed, AND meet one (1) of the following GS-11 Grade Requirements:
    • Completed a minimum f one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; -OR-
    • Completed three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field;-OR-
    • Possess a Doctorate in occupational therapy.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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 mentoring 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.
  • Assignment. See the referenced Qualification Standard for additional information.
Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist GS-12:
  • GS-12 Experience, Education, AND Licensure-Documentation Submitted:: In addition to the Basic Requirements, an Occupational Therapist at the full performance GS-12 level MUST be certified, licensed, AND possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level directly related to the position being filled.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • 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.
  • Assignment. See the referenced Qualification Standard for additional information.
References: Veterans Health Administration - Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard - GS-0631 (formerly VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14) - December 13, 2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The grade at which an applicant may be selected may be at GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12 grade level.

See "Additional Information" for Physical Requirements.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds or over); light carrying (under 15 pounds); straight pushing (.5 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (.5 hours); standing (.5 hours); crawling (.5 hours); kneeling (.5 hours); repeated bending (1 hour); climbing, legs only (.5 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; operation of crane, truck, tractor or motor vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement (corrective lenses okay); both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental and emotional stability.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This is a bargaining unit position.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Area of Consideration- Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

  1. Veterans Preference
  2. All other other applicants.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Certification as an Occupational Therapist (OT) by the National Board for Certification in OT (NBCOT)
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12640483.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. Internal Applicants, including ALL Federal Employees, Department of Veterans Affairs (Agency - VHA, VBA, NCA) Employees, and North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System (Facility) Employees, should apply to Job Opportunity Announcement CBTC-12640484-25-DMD. Facility Employees will have FIRST consideration.

Agency contact information

Diana Dieringer
Address
Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1601 Southwest Archer Road
Gainesville, FL 32608
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2024, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements