Occupational Therapist

Summary

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families - caregivers - and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
• 7407(a))
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• (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
• GS-12 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: (1) 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
• (2) 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
• Preferred Experience: Spinal cord injury rehabilitation
• 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 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  
  

Duties

• The Occupational Therapist (OT) works under the general supervision of the Program Manager of inpatient OT and PT services - who sets the overall objectives to be met and resources available
• The functions of the position include - but may not be limited to the following: Receives and interprets patient referrals/consults from a credentialed provider as outlined in the Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice
• Reviews medical record to assess appropriateness of the referral and identify possible contraindications for treatment
• Demonstrates the ability to correctly read and interpret written prescriptions and consultations
• Performs established assessments and evaluations of those patients referred for consultation
• Develops and implements individualized occupational therapy treatment program for the assigned patient population
• Provides training and supervision for volunteers and students assigned to Occupational Therapy
• Evaluates data gathered and makes clinical judgments based on examination to determine Occupational Therapy diagnosis and prognosis
• Has the ability to use critical analysis - clinical reasoning and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to assessment - treatment and procedures to meet the individual needs of patients
• Plans and implements initial and subsequent treatment programs based on their evaluation
• Demonstrates a broad professional understanding of contemporary and evidence-based practice and its application using therapeutic interventions
• Plans and implements appropriate patient education programs involving the patient - family and caregivers in the instructional process
• Assesses need for and skillfully procures - fabricates - adjusts - adapts and modifies orthoses - splints - and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living
• Uses outcome measures to document patient's progress towards established goals - modify interventions and plan of care - and for discharge planning
• Completes all patient care documentation in accordance with Rehabilitation policy
• Communicates readily with the multidisciplinary treatment team - advising the team of patient's needs and progress - exchanging discharge planning information
• Assists Clinical Education Coordinator in arranging and providing educational experiences for occupational therapy students that affiliate at the facility
• Assists in providing patient coverage for absent staff members to ensure continuity and quality of care
• Follows established Program and Division policies and procedures related to fire - disaster - and security measures
• Follows established procedures and policies in hazardous material handling/communication - equipment safety - infection control/universal fluid
• precautions - and other safety procedures that have been developed for Rehabilitation Services Division
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
• 8:30am to 5:00pm or 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Telework: Not available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 08522F
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.