Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist (Assisted Mobility) Job

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

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

Duties

• The Assisted Technology Clinic Specialist Occupational Therapist's primary function is direct patient care.
• The incumbent has advanced knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice and demonstrates the ability to apply this advanced knowledge to provide clinical guidance to PM&R staff, students, and other healthcare providers.
• The Assisted Technology Clinical Specialist is responsible for the screening, assessment, prescription, ordering, assembly, patient training, and delivery of all specialty assisted mobility devices with the goals of timeliness, efficiency, and accuracy. The goal of the prescriptions is to properly fit the patient with a specialty mobility device that enhances their function, minimizes pressure areas, provides mobility, and maintains their comfort and quality of life. This requires that the therapist be familiar with all internal and external processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment, including National VA regulations and local policies. He/she can identify problems in the system that hinder the above goals, and work with other departments to resolve obstacles.
• The incumbent must be familiar with VA benefits and current technology regarding specialty-assisted mobility and be a subject matter expert for other therapists and staff on this topic. This provider is also called upon to make repairs and adjustments to manual and power mobility devices and seating systems as needed (and within scope) to ensure the safety and optimal function of the device for Veterans with changing/progressing conditions.
• For Veterans with assisted mobility needs, the incumbent is responsible for independently providing occupational therapy assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals (as applicable). The incumbent interprets findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests, and then integrates findings into the
  occupational therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. This includes using standard and nonstandard methods for evaluating complex cases to identify problems and baseline levels of function, aligning examination findings with the patient's preferences for meaningful level of function to set clinically appropriate treatment goals and optimize outcomes, and/or referring to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care.
• The incumbent assesses the patient's need for adaptive devices, equipment, or modifications to ensure maximum safety and independence (including, but not limited to, ADL equipment, special seating, custom wheelchair prescription, environment control systems, and architectural barrier assessments).
• In the provision of care, the incumbent will provide the full range of comprehensive treatment procedures designed to improve or restore function using evidence-based occupational therapy. The incumbent will utilize pertinent developed protocols, recognize any contraindications or precautions, and modify treatment as needed for the patient's changing medical condition(s).
• Additionally, the incumbent provides patient/caregiver education as part of planned treatment progress regarding utilization of devices, safety, therapeutic exercises, and rehabilitation potential. Documentation of all care will be completed per local directives, guidelines, and Joint Commission standards. The incumbent is responsible for completing all encounters for workload (patient care) following national and local directives and guidelines, including correct CPT and diagnosis code usage.
• The incumbent will have and maintain their Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification or will become certified as an ATP within one year of accepting the position.
• He/she will maintain and learn advanced skills in assisted mobility by attending continuing education courses and training when applicable. This will maintain and advance the skill to perform and interpret specialized evaluative procedures and tests in evaluating treatment outcomes in the area of assisted mobility.
• He/she will perform other tasks as assigned by a supervisor or department chief that are consistent with the mission of the section, care line, and facility.

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 trial 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 09/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794279.

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.