Summary
The Occupational Therapist is assigned responsibility in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic for serving as the occupational therapist with subject matter expertise in pelvic rehabilitation providing evaluation and treatment of incontinence, pelvic pain and pelvic dysfunction in addition to musculoskeletal dysfunction. The incumbent is required to apply advanced evaluation methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to a vast array of functional impairments.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This is a public announcement open to external candidates. Veterans Preference is first consideration. Those who are Current VA employees/ HPT and recent VA Grads interested must apply to announcement CBTC-12548334-24-TE
Duties
The occupational therapist independently develops and implements a treatment program utilizing judgment to modify the treatment as a result of changing medical conditions or because of a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities
Principal Duties and Responsibilities-but not limited to:
- Works with a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and carrying out treatment programs. Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions in a Direct Access environment. This includes ability to independently evaluate and treat veterans who seek occupational therapy services.
- Incumbent is responsible for providing assessment and treatment for inpatient and outpatient veterans.
- Works effectively with treatment team members, veterans and veterans' family/significant others and other healthcare providers in coordinating the veteran's total care.
- Effectively communicates in the clinical medical record and other written and/or oral sources to promote positive communication, collaboration and teamwork.
- Develops and initiates new treatment programs which apply current research findings. Applies timely research findings ethically and appropriately to the evaluation and intervention processes. Discusses applicable research findings with other Physical Medicine & Rehab personnel to assure high quality of care to veterans.
- Reads and interprets consults to identify necessary elements and determine appropriateness of referral for assessment and evaluation of veterans.
- Refers veterans to appropriate resources when the needs of the veteran can best be served by the expertise of other professionals or services.
- Evaluates performance areas, performance components and performance context to establish a baseline level of functioning. Selects assessments to evaluate the veteran's level of function and follows defined protocols when standardized assessments are utilized.
- Maintains clinic cleanliness and equipment functioning, enforcing safety policies and procedures. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures. Performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures strict adherence to federal, state, and local codes concerning health, safety, and the workplace environment as applicable to their performance duties.
- Attends and participates in scheduled and appointed professional division/program committee meetings, management workshops, conferences and seminars. May conduct formal and/or informal clinical research, is aware of ongoing relevant research and keeps abreast of current professional publications on related occupational therapy areas.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills for the treatment of lumbar, sciatic, hip and pelvis. Performs assessment of muscles, ligaments, nerves and bony landmarks within the pelvic floor and pelvic girdle.*
- Plans and implements a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize the function of the veteran with pelvic floor dysfunctions, including but not limited to pelvic related pain, urinary/fecal incontinence, pre- and post-partum, and weakness/dysfunction of pelvic floor structures.*
- Understanding of psychological changes associated with pelvic floor dysfunction and women's health issues is required.*
- Demonstrates the ability to interpret and assimilate diagnostic testing from other disciplines related to pelvic dysfunctions including urology, gynecology, gastroenterology, and PM&R.*
- Evaluates new adaptive aids, prosthetic and/or orthotic equipment.
- Serves as a resource person for matters relating to occupational therapy in the treatment of veterans.
- Demonstrates occupational therapy competencies at the full performance levels of clinical specialist OT within the occupational therapy scope of practice.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills for the treatment of lumbar, sciatic, hip and pelvis. Performs assessment of muscles, ligaments, nerves and bony landmarks within the pelvic floor and pelvic girdle. Responsible for women's health clinic development, outcome management, and strategic planning under the supervision of department supervisor.*
Work Schedule: 8am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 41218F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
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.
- 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.
- 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
Applicants 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.
Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
English Language Proficiency. Occupational Therapist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
- Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; OR
- Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; OR
- Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.
Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of the Education and/or Experience #2 above if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in the State Licensure paragraph down below.
Certification-Submit Documentation. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.
State Licensure-Submit Documentation. 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.
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.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) GS-13
Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled and one of the following:
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area (pelvic health). This time must be within the past five years;
- Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA;
- Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area (pelvic health); or
- 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:
- Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice.
- Ability to provide clinical guidance in pelvic health to other OT practitioners.
- Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for pelvic health.
- Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice.
- Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for pelvic health.
- Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in pelvic health.
Assignment. Clinical OT specialists at this grade level serve as subject matter experts and as consultants to occupational therapists and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the areas of occupational therapy that are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy. This individual must demonstrate skills and techniques for a specific patient population that has highly complex occupational and/or psychosocial impairments. Clinical OT specialist may initiate, lead, and support research projects related to clinical needs. This may include grant writing, guiding others in the process, and direct clinical participation in research.
Preferred Experience: Prefer 2-3 years experience in pelvic health and be certified in Pelvic Rehabilitation.
Reference: VA Handbook 5005/127
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-13.
Physical Requirements: The work involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching. Lifting and carrying of occasional moderately heavy objects, such as assistive devices occurs regularly. Must be able to lift objects up to 45 pounds. Periods of time may be moderately demanding, to include assisting veterans with impaired mobility and/or cognitive functioning. Intermittent complicated issues with veterans and/or family members may periodically become stressful. Extended periods of computer processing duties. Employee must be able to work under the pressure of emergent conditions and tight deadlines. Work is performed in a clinical setting that exposes the incumbent to the communicable diseases common to veteran population.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.
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.
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:
- License
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Transcript
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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Pelvic Rehabilitation Certification
- 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.
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 10/01/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12548333.
- 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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