Duties
The Occupational Therapist (OT) position is in the Occupational Therapy section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The OT plans, implements, and coordinates Occupational Therapy services for adult veterans who have routinely complex medical, neurological, orthopedic, and psychological disorders. The OT in this position will be primarily based in the Inpatient Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC)/ Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center (CRC) unit and may be asked to float to other areas of the clinical or administrative need along with working weekends.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Clinical:
-
Evaluates patients' Occupational Profile, abilities, and functional limitations; develops individualized treatment plans based on evaluation findings, occupational therapy theory, and evidence-based practice; and administers appropriate occupational therapy programs.
-
Documents initial plans, interim progress, and final summaries in the patient's electronic record in a timely manner; re-evaluates and modifies the treatment plan as needed to achieve targeted outcomes.
-
Assesses need for adaptive aids, seating systems, and other major equipment; formulates individualized prescriptions for pertinent durable medical equipment (DME) and trains patients in their use; fabricates customized devices and splints as necessary for corrective, supportive, or protective purposes.
-
Performs home evaluations for accessibility and makes safety recommendations for structural modifications; assesses patients' functional mobility on public transportation and in community facilities.
-
Provides medical and functional justification to order durable medical equipment or assistive devices; in some instances, may design/modify and assist in fabrication of assistive equipment; communicates and coordinates with the team and other services regarding treatment recommendations, DME, and other devices.
-
Communicates evaluation results to the patient and the treatment team using both standardized and non-standardized evaluation techniques; provides evaluations and treatments in a manner that maintains patient dignity and privacy.
-
Ensures treatment adheres to departmental, VAPAHCS, VHA, AOTA, CARF, The Joint Commission, and other applicable guidelines, using the best available modalities and equipment; recognizes contraindications and appropriateness of prescribed treatment, consults with the primary physician as needed, and assists in referring patients who can benefit from occupational therapy services.
- Oversees treatment provided by the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), if applicable.
EDUCATIONAL
-
Supervises and trains occupational therapy trainees and assists in developing and updating training program content.
-
Provides orientation and training to other health care professionals as requested.
-
Provides education and training to family members and caregivers regarding the patient's functional status, performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), and operation and maintenance of equipment.
-
Attends and actively participates in section and program in-services, health care system educational offerings, professional conferences, and workshops, and shares gained knowledge, improved methods, or techniques with other occupational therapy staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE
-
Maintains patient attendance records and other required statistics; completes and maintains recordkeeping in accordance with PM&RS, VAPAHCS, VACO, and VHA policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding timeliness; completes and submits reports as requested.
-
Shares responsibility for clinic environment and maintenance, submits work orders as necessary to maintain an optimal environment of care, requests clinic supplies and materials, ensures appropriate supply levels are maintained for patient treatment, and makes suggestions for major equipment purchases for the department.
-
Develops forms for treatment guidelines, data collection, or patient education.
-
Schedules and organizes patient visits to ensure adequate time for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating with other members of the health care team.
-
Complies with occupational therapy stocked prosthetics and logistics equipment processes and maintains inventory levels accordingly.
-
As applicable, investigates new technology with emphasis on the occupational therapist's specialty.
-
Performs other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Rehabilitation Supervisor, or other authorized leadership within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS).
Work Schedule: Full Time, Sunday - Thursday, 8am-4:30pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 09476-F, 09477-F, 09478-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license.
- 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.
- 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
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizen appointments, see Additional Information below.
Driver's License: Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license
Education and/or Experience: Please see education section below
Foreign Graduates: Please see education section below
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
Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required state or territorial licensure and the NBCOT certification, both current and in good standing, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment
Exception for Graduate Occupational Therapist:
(1) 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)
(2) Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed
(3) A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements
(4) Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment
Failure to Obtain Licensure/Certification: In all cases, graduate OTs must actively pursue obtaining required credentials (i.e., NBCOT certification and/or state licensure) from the date of their appointment. The human resource office will notify the uncertified/unlicensed OT in writing of the requirement to obtain certification/licensure, the date by which the certification/license must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified/licensed by the deadline date. The written notice must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment
Grandfathering Provision: Please see Additional Information section below
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Grade Determinations:
Occupational Therapist, GS-09:
Education, Experience, or Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignments. Individuals assigned at the GS-9 grade level serve as OT practitioners in a career development position progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wide range of human function systems. The entry level therapist has a basic foundation of OT and generally practices independently. OTs at this level typically have guidance from more experienced therapists. OTs that are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed OT.
GS-11:
Education, Experience, or Licensure.
(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
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
Assignment. OTs at this grade level practice independently and are responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools. The OT modifies standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in activities of daily living (ADL); and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. Occupational therapists require guidance with higher complexity conditions. OTs demonstrate an 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. They are assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services.
GS-12
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
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. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits
(b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders
(c) 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
(d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment)(e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training
Assignment. OTs at this level practice independently and are responsible for 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. They are assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services. OTs at this level may be given assignments in any area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time).
continued in Additional Information below
Education
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.
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/.
Additional information
Continued from Qualifications...
Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of Occupational Therapy experience
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-9 to GS-12
Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of this occupation. Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
(2) If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee 5 will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation
(3) OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
(4) OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
End...
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.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
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, resume, 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.
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 (VA)
- License
- CV
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- 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.