Occupational Therapist

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is for current, permanent Federal Employees. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

Staff Occupational Therapist. Provides direct patient care and effective case management of Occupational Therapy patients for in-patient and outpatient services, as well as Home Safety Evaluations.

• Actively participates as a member of interdisciplinary outpatient care coordination team.
• Coordinates PM&R focused in-service training opportunities for PM&R and the facility as a whole.
• Coordinates additional staffing based on outpatient census.
• Acts as a subject matter expert regarding Outpatient Occupational Therapy services, and mentors other staff as appropriate.
• Travels to patient homes to perform home safety evaluations using government furnished vehicle.

Performs comprehensive patient evaluations:

• Primary patient care responsibilities will be outpatient and inpatient Occupational Therapy intervention.
• Patients are scheduled for evaluation and follow up appointments in such a manner as to not negatively impact other clinical staff yet meet the patient's needs.
• Patient medical records are reviewed to assess appropriateness of Occupational Therapy intervention, note any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and to assist in guiding the evaluation process.
• Evaluations include medical history, results, and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements such as: range of motion, muscle strength, sensory/perceptual deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, and social needs.
• Evaluations address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age appropriate level.
• Knowledge of physical, occupational cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.

Responsible for providing comprehensive patient care for O.T. patients.

• Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals, and timelines for completion.
• 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.
• Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to best meet established goals.
• Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories or treatment of Occupational Therapy and their proper application using therapeutic physical rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures.
• Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately.
• Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharges, coordinating referrals as needed.
• Updates FIM/FSOD database when covering CLC as well as monitoring updating MDS requirements.

Administrative Functions

• Provides and contributes to the advancement of knowledge and techniques related to Occupational Therapy and other related topics.
• Identifies, collects, and analyzes appropriate patient care information to provide a database for performance improvement activities within the VA system.
• Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Occupational Therapy practice through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance at continuing education courses and conferences.
• Consults with staff and physicians through patient presentations, attendance at interdisciplinary patient care conferences and/or specialty clinics. Coordinates needs related to Occupational Therapy.
• Responsible as a trusted liaison to the Supervisor of PM&R, advocating for appropriate patient care, and assisting the Supervisor of PM&R in monitoring continuity of care related to PM&R disciplines. Reports any concerns about veteran care through the appropriate channels.
• Assist in the development of new treatment programs, techniques, or refinements of current programs as directed by the outpatient therapy supervisor.
• Provides open communication with patients, families, Medical Center staff and others.
• Seeks clarification, listens, and conveys information clearly, in written and verbal forms.
• Investigates and responds appropriately to all complaints and takes effective corrective action when necessary.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with patients and members of the organization.
• Demonstrates tact, courtesy and a positive approach to communication and interaction with other employees, visitors, physicians, and the public. Presents the Program, Service, and Medical Center in a positive manner.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm
Telework: Ad-Hoc may be approved.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 524920A, 52491A, 52492A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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:

Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)).

English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).-.

Education and/or Experience: 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.

Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license.

Certification: Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.

State Licensure: 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 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).
• 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 grades 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 years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.

Grade Determinations:

Occupational Therapist, GS-09

Education, Experience, or Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements.

Assignments - Individuals assigned at the GS-09 grade level serve as OT practitioners in a career development position progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wide range of human function systems. The entry level therapist has a basic foundation of OT and generally practices independently.

Occupational Therapist, GS-11-Education, Experience, or Licensure:

Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 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

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 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.

Assignment - OTs at this grade level practice independently and are responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools. The OT modifies standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in activities of daily living (AOL); and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.

Occupational Therapist, GS-12-Education, Experience, and Licensure:

Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.

AND

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the [experience 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: OTs at this level practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, and performance in AOL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. OTs demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures.

Preferred Experience: Outpatient and inpatient experience, hand experience, driver rehab and wheelchair experience is a plus.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 9 to 12.

Physical Requirements: This position requires frequent bending and lifting, and the ability to assist patients with a variety of
therapeutic activities. Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

How you will be evaluated

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

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.

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

• License
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Professional Certification
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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