Career Center

The Occupational Therapist who work at this level provides assessments and treatment intervention of both in-patients and out-patients, on an independent basis across the continuum of care and services provided by Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS). 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: 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: (1) 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. (2) 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. 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. 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. 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: Occupational Therapist, GS-9 Education, Experience, or Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. Occupational Therapist, 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. 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. Occupational Therapist, 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. 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. Preferred Experience: The Occupational therapist provides specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment in hand and upper extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation, occupational rehab, chronic pain and cognitive impairment; providing therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function, and/or reverse pathological progression to enhance quality of life in an outpatient setting. The Occupational therapist will maintain the highest level of competency in the profession and remains up to date with therapy and treatment interventions. Completes a wide range of patient evaluations for complex patient cases, develops and implements effective, evidence-based treatment interventions that require the application of specialized skills and knowledge to accomplish functional objectives. Locates, adapts and/or creates assessment tools and novel treatments as required by the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities. Demonstrates clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques. Independently conducts treatment of patients with the diagnoses of, but not limited to chronic pain, vocational rehab, upper extremity rehab, cognitive rehab and caregiver training for an outpatient setting. Experience in outpatient rehabilitation is preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G24 date December 13, 2019 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: The position will require light lifting (under 15 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers both hands required, walking (6 hours) standing (6 hours), and repeated bending (2 hours). ["The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides assessment and treatment interventions directed toward the care and treatment of Veterans diagnosed with upper extremity injuries, vocational deficits, cognitive deficits and chronic pain. The Occupational Therapist at the full performance level practices independently and is responsible for performing comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OT's 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. The Occupational Therapist has experience, demonstrated skill and knowledge in working with postoperative upper extremity injuries and orthotic fabrication as well as the ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. Administrative : Schedules patient visits to ensure quality Occupational Therapy treatments are delivered most efficiently and effectively. Documents evaluations, goals, treatment plans, and rehabilitation potential, using standard format in patient's medical record as required by PM&R, The Joint Commission, and VA Healthcare System standards. Responsible for performance improvement monitoring including participation in the formulation of monitors, data collections, peer reviews, and preparation of reports in accordance with VA and The Joint Commission guidelines. Takes responsibility for ordering supplies and clinic maintenance to ensure that adequate supplies are always on hand and that clinic repairs and maintenance activities are performed in a timely manner. Monitors clinic areas to ensure that a clean, safety conscious environment exists for all patients and staff. Clinical: 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. Has knowledge and understanding of a wide range of upper extremity disorders, including the signs/symptoms, special tests and common intervention methods. Has experience in orthotic fabrication and postoperative upper extremity/hand rehabilitation protocols. Independently evaluates patients, devises objectives and goals, adapting goals, objectives and plans to meet the special needs of individual patients. Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve routine problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of patients. Documents appropriately and in a timely manner in patient's electronic record. Provides patient/family education as needed. Demonstrates skill in communicating information regarding patients to interdisciplinary team members, patients and their families as needed. Works cooperatively with other specialties to provide seamless rehabilitation treatment for patients who may require interdisciplinary and complex care. Participates in interdisciplinary meetings for special programs, patient care, and discharge planning. Acts as a consultant/subject matter expert for PM&R staff and other facility staff as required. Promotes and monitors clinic areas to ensure that a clean, safety conscious and well-organized environment exists for all patients and staff. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nNote: This is a Bargaining Unit Position."]