Occupational Therapist - Acute Care - Gainesville, FL Job in Gainesville, FL

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

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

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 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.
• Effectively demonstrates knowledge and skills in interpersonal relations, especially the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers.
• Maintains clinic areas, equipment and supplies in a clean and organized manner to promote quality treatment in a safe and functionally appropriate environment.
• Assists OT Supervisor in utilization and management of available space for current, additional or expanding therapy programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

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. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).

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 06/12/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12734876.

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.