Occupational Therapist Job in Vero Beach, FL

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

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

• Federal employees - Excepted service

  Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

• Internal to an agency

  Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Duties

Principal Duties and Responsibilities-but not limited to:

• Conducts independent and specialized evaluation of the patient by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine occupational therapy needs. Primary evaluation procedures/methods include but are not limited to: review of medical record, subjective interview with patient and/or family/caregiver and/or MD and/or RN, observation, vital sign monitoring, and functional evaluation of: strength/range of motion/coordination/sensation, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, cognition, mental status, motor function/control, functional mobility, and safety.
• Based on results of evaluation, develops an effective and client centered treatment plan that is appropriate and indicated for the disabilities and conditions being treated. In collaboration with patient and family/caregivers, incumbent establishes short and long-term goals that are objective, measurable, and within certain time frames. Incumbent implements the treatment program, modifying program as needed to achieve goals.
• The therapist develops and carries out a full range of occupational therapy treatments using a variety of evidence-based treatment methods and techniques. The methods used to meet client-centered, rehabilitation goals include, but are not limited to: activities of daily living training, strength training, endurance training, cognitive retraining, range of motion exercises, prescription of adaptive equipment and/or durable medical equipment, balance training, physical agent modalities, neuromuscular retraining, joint mobilization, instrumental activities of daily living training, patient/family education, financial management training, health management and maintenance training, home management training, functional mobility, transfer training, community re-integration training, and wheelchair mobility training.
• The therapist provides age-specific care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, cultural, and chronological maturation needs of the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; ability to assess and interpret data about the patient's status; and ability to identify age-specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age related factors.
• When conducting patient evaluations and treatments, the occupational therapist considers the age, medical/psychological needs, cognitive abilities and culture of the patient as it relates to his/her ability to understand directions, provide effective self-assessment, and participate safely and appropriately in the treatment plan.
• The therapist works effectively with all treatment team members including the patient, family/care givers/friends, clinical students, physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists and other providers involved in patient's care.
• All documentation, including evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, daily treatment notes, team note, discharge summaries and patient education is completed on all patients in accordance with facility policies (VA, PM&RS, OT) for content and timeliness. The therapist provides thorough written documentation for patient's current status, progress with therapy, therapy plan of care and patient response to treatment. Consults with patient/caregivers to determine appropriate short and long-term goals, as well as discharge plans.
• The incumbent develops and implements individualized client centered occupational therapy treatment programs for patients. He/she pays special attention to the individual needs of all patients with respect to age, development and cultural factors should be consistently demonstrated. The therapist periodically conducts quality assurance utilization reviews regarding patient treatment and departmental issues.
• 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. This involves managing patient caseload at a productive standard and addressing minor, routine problems which may arise. It may also include program management duties on an occasional basis.
• The Occupational Therapist will supervise certified occupational therapy assistants, occupational therapy aides and volunteers.

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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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 07/14/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12747080.

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.