Duties
The Department of Housing and Urban Development/ Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Occupational Therapist (OT) is programmatically assigned to and reports to the Homeless Program Assistant Manager at EL Paso VA Health Care System (EPVACHS). The primary function of this OT is direct patient care, including completing functional assessments to a diverse population in outpatient and community settings within the HUD-VASH program. The incumbent will complete functional assessments of Veteran applicants utilizing a prescribed instrument The Veteran Functional Assessment Instrument (VFAI) and other assessment tools to determine if a Veteran applicant requires personal care services from a caregiver due to inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL) and/or due to the need for supervision, protection or instruction. In addition to completing the VFAI and other assessments, the incumbent will engage in interprofessional collaboration with: social work, nursing, physical therapist (PT), OT, Patient Care Team (PACT), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Physician Assistant (PA), Osteopathic Doctor (DO), Nurse Practitioner (NP), psychologists, counselors and a variety of other medical professionals.
In addition to completing assessments and interventions within the medical center, (Housing and Urban Development-VA Supported Housing), the incumbent will complete home visits in the community to determine Veterans' needs within the home. The incumbent will support the staffing needs of the medical center and will complete other duties as assigned from the HUD-VASH Program management.
The OT:
- Is an incidental driver and must have a valid driver's license. Operating a government vehicle is required to transport patients.
- Accepts and responds to OT/HUD-VASH consults and document evaluation and treatment in compliance with HUD-VASH and Occupational Therapy policies.
- Completes Veteran functional assessments, including the Veterans for American Ideals (VFAI).
- Utilizes appropriate screening and standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools required to appropriately provide and direct the OT care plan in multiple settings.
- Comprehensively assesses functional and occupational roles and provide direct intervention with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, participation, and performance in all areas of occupation (ADLs, IADLs, work/play, leisure, education, social participation, and resVsleep) of Veterans referred to the HUD-VASH Program.
- Applies clinically appropriate assessment techniques and treatment interventions to address and evaluate all aspects of the occupational therapy domain: occupations, client factors, performance skills, performance patterns, contexts, and environments.
- Utilizes standardized and non-standardized assessment methods to communicate information to the interprofessional HUD-VASH team about Veterans' functioning.
Communication
- Educates Veterans, family members, caregivers, students, and other healthcare professionals.
- Effectively communicates, both orally and in writing, with Veterans, family members, supervisors, caregivers, students, and other healthcare professionals.
- Establishes and maintains contact with other health care providers involved in Veteran care via written, telephone, and personal communication on a regular basis.
- Participates in interdisciplinary care planning conferences, as assigned.
- Performs comprehensive written documentation of evaluations/assessments, progress notes, and discharge summaries. Documentation is consistent with regulatory bodies and accrediting commissions, VHA policy, and facility directives regarding content and timeliness.
- Proactively communicates with Prosthetics Department to address Veterans' needs for adaptive/durable medical equipment, orthoses, and prosthetics devices, in accordance with facility policy.
- Documents Veteran functional assessments for PCAFC in a timely manner and communicates information from assessments for timely processing of the application.
- Conducts data collection as specified or requested by the Supervisor of HUD-VASH for projects related to continuous process improvement for quality assurance (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) for the HUD-VASH program.
Duties are continued in Education section.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Telework: This is an onsite position. Telework may be offered when deemed necessary by the department AD-HOC (Employees who telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term basis, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement.) (Portion of day acceptable).
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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.
- 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-placement examination.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- 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
VA Health Profession Trainees (HPT's) 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.
All applicants pending certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected as a Graduate Occupational Therapist at the GS-9 level pending completion of requirements.
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.
- English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English
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.
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. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220.
Foreign Graduates. Graduates] of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix.
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)(2) at the GS-9 level only.
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:
a. Occupational Therapist, GS-9
(1)
Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements.
b. Occupational Therapist, GS-11
(1)
Education, Experience, or Licensure.
To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must be fully licensed to independently practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia and have a NBCOT Certification as an OT
In addition to the basic requirements, one of the following is required.
(a) Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled;
or
(b) Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field;
[or
(c) Doctorate in occupational therapy.]
(2)
Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)]. In addition to the [experience or education above, the candidate] must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
[(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy practice.
(b) Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment.
(c) Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others.
(d) Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated.
(e) Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing.
(f) Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care.
(g) Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice.
c. Occupational Therapist, GS-12
(1)
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.]
To be equivalent to the GS-11 level, experience must have been earned while having:
- a full license to independently practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia
and
- a NBCOT Certification as an OT.
(2)
Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the [experience above, the candidate] must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
[(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice.
(b) Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
(c) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
(d) 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.
(e) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment).
(f) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.]
Preferred Experience:
- Experience working with Veteran Population
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams
- Experience in conducting OT assessment in home environment
- Experience working with community agency
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-12
Physical Requirements:
Individuals who are required to operate a government owned or leased vehicle to successfully carry out their assigned duties must be medically cleared prior to appointment. Assessment must be made for any acute or chronic medical/physical condition or medication use which interferes with the ability operate the appropriate Government-owned or -leased vehicle safely and without undue risk to themselves or others. The following requirements must be met:
- distant vision 20/40 in one eye with or without correction,
- field of vision 70 degrees,
- ability to distinguish red, green and amber,
- whispered voice at five feet, or average hearing loss of not greater than 40 dbs. at 500, 1000 and 2,000 Hz.
Education
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE: If your school was accredited by ACOTE at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the ACOTE website: https://acoteonline.org/all-schools/, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
Duties Continued:
- As assigned, acts as Fieldwork Educator for occupational therapy student(s) from accredited educational programs.
- As assigned, provides education to Veterans, family members, caregivers, employees, students, and coworkers.
- Educates multiple service lines within the facility about the Occupational Therapy scope of practice.
- Continually seeks to improve knowledge and skills by reviewing current literature, conducting in-service training, participation in presentations, and attendance at continuing education programs, especially in their area of
expertise. Continuing education and training will be focused on maintaining and improving competency in all general clinical functions but will also include coursework directed toward the development and improvement of clinical instruction, data collections and reporting techniques, and utilization and reporting of outcome measures. Continuing education will also involve staying up-to-date with training/certification per regulations of National Board for Certification in Occupation Therapy (NBCOT)/ American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and state regulations, as well as taking initiative and completing other educational opportunities to enhance ability to delivery evidence-based occupational therapy assessments and interventions. - Complete initial Veteran Functional Assessment Instrument (VFAI) intensive training with a recertification occurring every two years.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Completes all El Paso VA Health Care System (EPVAHCS) mandatory training in a timely manner, including yearly competencies and Talent Management System (TMS) requirements and HUD-VASH training requirements.
- Stays updated on the HUD-VASH program guidelines and policies.
- Maintains competency in using the computer system for storing and retrieving electronic documents and files, transmitting, and receiving e-mail, activating printers, and accessing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
- Becomes familiar with the Homeless Program Hub.
- Communicates and assists in coordinating coverage for anticipated leave with immediate supervisor(s) in HUD-VASH and communicates unanticipated leave in accordance with VA policies.
- Covers administrative positions/responsibilities within the service when needed/assigned.
- Maintains awareness of safety hazards and takes appropriate corrective action (e.g., safe patient handling, treatment environment, equipment, etc).
- Adheres to infection control programs and maintains full competency in the use, pre-cleaning and/or reprocessing of reusable medical equipment (RME) per agency's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and manufacturer's instructions.
- Assures the cleanliness, maintenance, repairs, and successful operation of all Occupational Therapy equipment and treatment areas.
- Assists in maintaining adequate operational supplies by notifying immediate supervisor of needs when they arise.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link
https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Resume/CV
- Other (2)
- PCS Orders
- 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.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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.