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Position is located in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation service (PMR) in the Lubbock Outpatient Clinic. The Occupational Therapist provides assessment and treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical, occupational and psychosocial dysfunction. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 4/04/2023. Additional applications will be referred as needed. 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. Exceptions for the 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. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. Preferred Experience: Previous or current experience with assessment and treatment in an outpatient setting. Previous or current experience with assessment and treatment in an acute care setting, including post op orthopedic patients. Previous or current experience with assessment and treatment in a long term care or skilled nursing facility. Ability to assess and treat patients with chronic pain using a biopsychosocial approach. Familiarity with providing Occupational therapy assessment and follow up using virtual care options including telephone or video platforms. Experience and knowledge with seating system fitting and training including manual and power options. 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: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, Pulling hand over hand (2 hours), Pushing (2 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Walking (6 hours), Standing (6 hours), Kneeling (1 hour), Repeated bending (2 hours), Climbing, use of legs and arms, Both legs required, Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Depth perception, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid permitted), Emotional and Mental Stability, Clear Speech. ["Receives and interprets requests or instructions for occupational therapy procedures. Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants or technicians to accommodate requests. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information relative to the occupational therapy care to be rendered. Knowledge of advanced occupational therapy techniques to perform functions associated within the occupational therapy scope of practice, including assessment and treatment techniques for occupational, cognitive and psychological functional deficits. Ability to adapt and modify assessment tools and treatments to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities for a variety of general medical, surgical, orthopedic, neurological and psychiatric patients with complex medical conditions. Demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques. Complete assessments and implement treatment plans including caregiver and staff education regarding positioning, proper seating and use and safety with wheeled mobility devices. Independently solving complex clinical problems. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment. Incumbent may be required to organize data, format that data into a presentation, and present information pertinent to patient care in formal or informal settings. Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs. Assists patients and significant others in utilization of VA and community resources for transition back in o the community, including knowledge of Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Grant. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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