Occupational Therapist Job in Albany, NY

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities are carried out in a variety of settings throughout the Medical Center, as well as off-station sites including patient's homes, nursing homes, assistive living centers, etc.

The individual holding this position, at this grade level providing clinical coverage would include independently solving complex problems related to their discipline (Occupational Therapy adapting and modifying treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of patients with complex disabilities.) The individual would serve as a subject matter expert and a consultant in their discipline (Occupational Therapy) to other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients and serving as a mentor to students treating patients. They are assigned to all program areas which are covered by the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department and provide professional, independent discipline specific (Occupational Therapy) services in the assigned area.

The Occupational Therapist (OT) is responsible for independently providing assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare providers referrals. The incumbent establishes a diagnosis within the scope of occupational therapy, identifies appropriate rehabilitation intervention including referral to another provider for further consultation as clinically indicated. Incumbent formulates a treatment plan and goals, and is responsible for implementation, modification, and documentation of treatment. Incumbent exhibits complex clinical skills.
Incumbent schedules the patient for treatment in order to establish and achieve the maximum goal(s) for the patient. Incumbent frequently interprets and reports to healthcare providers the reaction to treatment, which have medical significance and diagnostic value. Incumbent functions as a core team member of clinical and or multidisciplinary team(s) for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient and continuity of care by
sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. As a member of the treatment team, the incumbent is responsible for the development and maintenance of professional standards of occupational therapy. Incumbent maintains a close working relationship with medical and allied health care specialists to assess patient conditions and progress and coordinate patient treatment to effect maximum rehabilitation potential. Incumbent demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of therapeutic rehabilitation procedures. Incumbent follows established guidelines, ethics and protocol of the Occupational Therapy Section, the PM&R Section, the department of Veterans Affairs and the profession. Modifies techniques and develops new approaches as necessary to ensure the realization of patient treatment goals. The incumbent uses both standard and non-standard methods and techniques for evaluating and interpreting a wide variety of patient physical and psychosocial functional levels for providing progressive treatment rationales. Incumbent functions as a clinical preceptor for affiliating, technical and professional level students in conjunction with the Clinical Coordinator and/or Program Coordinator. Incumbent serves as mentor for volunteer or observation students. Incumbent provides clinical oversight of Occupational therapy assistants.

Complete Encounter information in accordance with Stratton VA Medical Center guidelines. Using the computer system for storing and retrieving electronic documents and files, transmitting and receiving email, activating printers, requesting leave, and accessing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Communicate and coordinate coverage for anticipated leave and communicate unanticipated leave in accordance with PM&R Service policies. Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor of physical therapy and occupational therapy that are consistent with the mission of the section, care line and facility. Performs competent written documentation of initial examinations, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Demonstrates advanced competency in knowledge of electronic documentation and computer skills. Entering consults within the PM&RS Service or to the Prosthetics service for rehabilitation equipment in accordance with PM&RS and medical center policies. Reviews and co-signs notes written by the COTA to whom the OT has delegated patient care. Incumbent participates on patient care and hospital committees to establish continuity and collaboration of principle/care. Incumbent will assist the quality assurance effort and prepares monthly reports as required to accomplish goals.

Complete all VAMC mandatory training in a timely manner.

Work Schedule: 3-4 days per week with a schedule of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Functional Statement #: 21M93-A

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

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 02/10/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12678903.

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.

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.