Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job in Aurora, CO

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

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

Duties

This Therapist serves as a health care professional for the SCI/D Center for inpatients and/or outpatients referred to SCI/D Occupational Therapy.
Clinical

• Occupational Therapist uses standard and non-standard methods to assess range of motion, strength, sensation, proprioception, coordination, perception, cognition, ADL and work activities, orthotic and prosthetic needs, and need for adaptive equipment. In addition, assesses independent living skills.
• Establishes treatment goals and eventual discharge plan, based on evaluations with patient and family/caregiver(s) (when appropriate) and coordination with the multi-/transdisciplinary team.
• Re-evaluates patient's performance and modifies treatment as indicated. Regularly presents patient information to health care providers regarding outcomes of treatment, status, and expectations.
• Evaluates patient's living situation through home visits, patient and family interview, or consultation with other health care professionals.
• Initiates ordering, delivery and training in the use of patient specific adaptive equipment.
• Responsible for direct supervision of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, if assigned to the SCI/DCenter.
• Carries a full patient caseload, accepting new consults as referred by the primary care provider/medical or healthcare provider.
• Documents initial evaluations, progress, and discharge planning in a timely, concise manner, per section documentation and consult management requirements.
• Is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and reports to the appropriate authority.
• Is aware of the indications, contraindications, and precautions in working with patients with SCI, physical impairments, and mental health issues.
• Serves as SCI/D Center OT liaison and assists the SCI/D Therapy Supervisor to address complex Occupational Therapy needs.
• Develops and facilitates plan for post-acute care for patients on CIIRP service.
• Provides coverage of Outpatient Occupational Therapy clinic for evaluation and treatment of patients, as needed.
• Ensures CARF accreditations standards are met and in compliance for Occupational Therapy practices within the SCI/D Center's practice settings.
• Practices and enforces infection control standards, as prescribed by RMR VAMC.

• For each patient assigned, accurately maintains patient schedule and attendance. Independently manages daily workload and schedule. Schedules patients promptly to comply with Advanced Clinical Access performance levels.
• Completes daily, weekly, and monthly statistics, as required by the SCI/D service. Accurately documents within the patient's medical record: an initial evaluation including short- and long-term goals; progress reports which include description of treatment provided and outcome in terms of function; discharge summary which includes summary of treatment, outcome in terms of goals set, equipment provided, and education given to patient and family.
• Assists in the development of new treatment programs, techniques, or refinements of current programs as directed by the PMRS Supervisory team.
• Assists SCI/D Service Chief and/or Supervisor in updating and maintaining Occupational Therapy policies and procedures.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, including patient rounds, family conferences, and discharge planning, as necessary.
• Designs and/or participates in quality assurance activities, as directed, and has a working knowledge of departmental performance improvement projects.
• Shares in the maintenance of equipment and is aware of safety.
• Participates in CARF and Joint Commission activities to ensure compliance and accreditation.
• Maintains current NBCOT and certifications, State DORA requirements, and mandatory training, as required by the facility.

• Assists in the orientation of physicians, medical residents, and other allied health personnel to the Occupational Therapy program.
• Educates other Occupational Therapists with various duties to support the SCI/D Center's mission.
• Works with other SCI/D providers and/or staff in teaching safe patient positioning, application of orthoses and slings, and proper use of self-help devices.
• Instructs patient and family members in the proper and safe use adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment and prepares timely prosthetics requests.
• Attends continuing education courses for occupational therapists and shares knowledge with the OT staff.
• Plans and implements patient education programs and adjusts teaching method to match the patient and/or family's learning style and cognitive level.
• Serves as a mentor to new occupational therapy staff, if necessary.

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.

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 10/17/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12559060.

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.