Summary
The Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist (OT/CS) in this position provides direct patient care and therapy services on an independent basis across the continuum of care to veterans at the VANTHCS Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service. He/she is expected to carry out general duty assignments but primarily serves as subject matter expert in the content specialty area of Hand Therapy (Certified Hand Therapist) at least 25% of the time.
Clarification from the agency
This is an external job announcement. Current permanent facility employees, current permanent VA employees, are encouraged to apply under internal announcement CAZM-12000095-23-KR.
Duties
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 8, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be June 26, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 12/08/2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply.
The employee is a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) who serves as the Certified Hand Therapist within the Occupational Therapy Section of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, (PM&RS) at the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). The VANTHCS provides occupational therapy services to several inpatient and outpatient clinics, dispersed over a large geographic region and holds affiliations with several colleges and universities for student clinical rotations. The employee serves as the subject matter expert and as a consultant to OT and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the specialty area of Hand Therapy. The employee is certified by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC).
Functions/Duties:
A. Employee dedicates 75% of the clinical duties as the sole Certified Hand Therapist in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service at the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS).
B. Employee possesses the knowledge and techniques for highly complex cases in hand rehabilitation, including but not limited to arthroplasty, contractures, fusions, ligament/tendon repairs, nerve compression syndrome, and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
C. An employee demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in the area of hand therapy and their proper applications.
D. The employee works closely with the Orthopedic and Plastic Surgeons within the VANTHCS to develop protocols for the treatment of patients undergoing surgical procedures relating to the upper extremities.
E. Employee evaluates for a different type of orthotic devices including custom-made types to meet the individual patient's needs.
F. Employee dedicates 25% of their duties, or as directed due to operational needs, participating in providing general occupational therapy to the inpatient/outpatient populations.
G. The employee establishes treatment programs with measurable goals, based on evaluative findings and within the boundaries of the individual prescription. Employee modifies the program according to changing patient needs and terminates treatment program when all goals have been met.
H. Employee provides accurate written and/or verbal documentation of patient status and progress, treatment program plans, and patient response to treatment.
I. Employee independently schedules patient visits throughout the day allowing for adequate individual treatment time as well as necessary time for conferences and any administrative tasks.
J. Employee consults with patients and their families through patient-family education, training, and advising them in the specific nature of their medical condition and by providing home programs as part of their individualized treatment plans.
K. Employee provides professional oversight and consultation relating to hand therapy for staff therapists and monitors and evaluates clinically appropriate treatment programs with great autonomy.
L. Employee secures work area and equipment to provide a clean and safe therapeutic environment.
Customer Services Requirements:
A. Consistently practices the customer service performance expectations as established by the CARE (connect, appreciate, respond, and empower) model.
B. Communicates in a clear, caring, courteous, and respectful manner with patients, visitors, co-workers, suppliers, supervisors, and other stakeholders (internal and external) and clarifies information received. Responds to customer's requests, inquires, and complaints in an accurate and timely manner and provides follow-up as needed.
C. Refers inquiries or complaints to an appropriate source for resolution, if needed. Maintains patient confidentiality and privacy during all communications whether in writing or orally.
D. Responsible for maintaining open communication with patients, families, Medical Center staff, and others.
E. Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with patients and members of the organization.
F. Maintains confidentiality of patient medical records per established policy.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 08:00AM to 04:30PM, Rotates to cover weekends and holidays as needed for patient care.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
(a) 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
(b) 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
(c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. AND
- Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
- Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist.
- 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.
- English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met:
Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist), GS-13
- Education, Experience, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must have completion of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Experience at the GS-12 level includes independent practice and 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 ADL, 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) AND directly related to the position being filled being filled AND one of the following:
- (a) A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years;
- (b) Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA;
- (c) Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area; or(d) An additional advanced degree in a related field.
- Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- (a) Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice.
- (b) Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners.
- (c) Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization.
- (d) Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice.
- (e) Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization.
- (f) Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization.
Preferred Experience:
- Completion of a entry level degree in Occupational Therapy with a current Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, NBCOT
- A minimum of at least 2 years clinical practice as a Hand Therapist
- Active National Certification as a Certified Hand Therapist recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association, AOTA
- Past or current experience collaborating with surgical services.
- Experience in providing clinical guidance and mentorship to OT practitioners in the Acute Care (Inpatient and Outpatient) areas.
- Orthotic fabrication for post-op surgical protection/immobilization, correction of injury or deformity and conservative management of common upper extremity syndromes.
References: VA Handbook 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14. Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard, VHA, 12/13/2019.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (0.5 hours); pushing (0.5 hours); reaching above shoulder; walking (5.3 hours); standing (5.3 hours); repeated bending (5.3 hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid ma be permitted).
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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, résumé, 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:
- VA Application 10-2850, a, b, c, or d (Current within 90 days)
- Resume
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
- OF-306
- Other Application Documentation
- VA Application 10-2850, a, b, c, or d (Current within 90 days)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 12/08/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12000099.
- 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.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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.
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