The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) position is located within the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service for VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS). This vacancy will be used to fill positions in Vancouver and Portland. The position is specific to the Whole Health Program. The program's role is to provide services and education staff and Veterans on integrative health and wellness principles. The incumbent will serve in the capacity as an active movement specialist. 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. Successful completion of an Associate's degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college, or university in occupational therapy and is your education program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Certification. OTAs must have written documentation that they have passed the entry-level certification examination for OTAs administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Licensure. OTAs must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e. Puerto Rico) or in the District of Columbia. Exceptions for Non-Certified or Non-Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. (1) OTAs who graduated from an ACOTE approved occupational therapy assistant program but do not possess the NBCOT certification and/or licensure requirements, may be appointed, pending licensure and/or NBCOT certification, on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). (2) OTAs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure and/or certification are obtained. (3) OTAs may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OTA or OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (4) Temporary OTA appointments may not be extended beyond two years. English Language Proficiency. OTAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: None NOTE: Valid drivers license and proof of insurance required. GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Occupational Therapy Assistant, GS-05 Experience. [None beyond the basic requirements. Occupational Therapy Assistant, GS-06 (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practice. (b) Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication (c) Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. (d) Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. (e) Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives. (f) Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory Occupational Therapy Assistant, GS-07 (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in promoting occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas (b) Ability to perform in depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans. (c) Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients. (d) Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual. Occupational Therapy Assistant, GS-08 (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to implement delegated assessments. (b) Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance. (c) Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status. (d) Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. (e) Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment. (f) Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the occupational therapy scope of practice and services. REFERENCE: Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualification Standard, VA Handbook 5005/145 May 27, 2021 PART II APPENDIX G22. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range from GS 5 to GS 8. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Heavy lifting, 45 Ibs and over, Straight pulling, 1 hrs, Pushing, 1hr, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, both hands required, Walking, 4 hrs, Standing 3 hrs, Kneeling, 1 hr, Repeated bending, 1 hr, Climbing, 1 hr, Both legs required, Operate motor vehicle, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordinating simultaneous, near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to jaeger 1 to 4, far vision in one eye 20/50 and to 20/100 in other, hearing aid permitted, mental and emotional stability required. ["The primary function is direct patient care. The OTA will deliver care to individuals and groups of Veterans in the inpatient (rehab and acute) and outpatient care settings. 1. Clinical A. The employee has completed education through an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant Program and provides direct patient care under the supervision of an occupational therapist to provide services that promote prevention, remediation and rehab of acute and chronic physical dysfunctions. B. The COTA completes a preliminary review/exam of patient data; developing progressive types of therapy treatment programs done in consultation with an occupational therapist or physician. C. Employee provides and monitors therapeutic activities and interventions based on goals established by a Occupational Therapist but must be able to carry out a direct treatment plan without supervision of a occupational therapist. Duties and responsibilities are carried out within various clinical, administrative and patient care areas associated with PM&RS. D. The COTA is able to collect data, deliver physical therapy treatments and plan and implement appropriate treatment. They demonstrate knowledge of issues related to patient safety in order to limit unnecessary risk in the course of their treatment. E. The employee is skilled in written communication to document objective data, progress/change in status, discharge status and patient or caregiver education. Written communication is done in a timely fashion. F. Employee communicates with supervising OT to alert them to change in patient status. The COTA will communicate with multidisciplinary team through team meetings, ward rounds, written reports and formal communication such as conversations. G. COTA is responsible for the care, upkeep and sanitation of equipment used. Educational: A. Increases knowledge and skills by attending seminars, workshops, lectures and in-service meetings. B. Conducts in-service programs for the occupational therapy section and other disciplines and shares knowledge of new or improved techniques with staff. C. Acts as a clinical instructor to occupational therapist assistant students to fulfill their educational and professional requirements. Administrative: A. Compiles statistical data, documents patient workloads, time utilization, quality improvement, and cost-effectiveness. B. Demonstrates ability to organize data, format data into a presentation, and present information pertinent to patient care in formal or informal settings. C. Works with patients and their families along with the supervisor, clinical manager, or chief of Rehabilitation Medicine when appropriate to resolve any patient concerns. D. Refers any problems/issues with equipment to a supervisor. E. Delegates certain patient care tasks to support staff while providing appropriate guidance and supervision. Organizes work related matters, schedules patients to meet next available appointment standards, and completes assigned tasks in a timely manner. F. Insures proper supply levels are maintained for patient treatment. G. Understands and adheres to policies and procedures in the section manual. H. Employee works independently, under the supervision of a physical therapist. He/she is responsible for program and clinics to which he/she is assigned and confers with the supervisor at periodic intervals for the purpose of keeping him/her informed of problematic cases, workload and progress reports. I. Notes must be completed within required time lines: Inpatient/CRU/CLC: within one day or following work day if received on a Friday or holiday. Outpatient: one week. J. Adheres to scheduling policies and works to optimize clinical volume/group classes. K. Completes encounters & ICB collection per facility guidelines. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 0730-1600 Compressed/Flexible: May be available. Telework: Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
