This position is assigned to HBPC, which provides longitudinal, comprehensive, interdisciplinary services to Veterans with complex, chronic, and disabling diseases in the Veteran's residence. The incumbent provides in-home occupational therapy assessments, planning and administers rehabilitation in the home to HBPC patients. The incumbent provides these in-home services to patients with a wide variety of multiple, complex chronic illnesses and/or profound disabilities.
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. 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. 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. 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-12 (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: 1. Valid driver's license and proof of insurance 2. One year of successful occupational therapy experience preferred 3. Home care experience preferred 4. American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification required 5. Interdisciplinary team experience preferred 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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute
FUNCTIONS & SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES The HBPC Occupational Therapist assesses and treats patients mostly independently, with consultation from more experienced occupational therapists as needed, and exercises professional judgment in patient care. Decisions are made in the community, and unless the incumbent is unlicensed, without close supervision by another healthcare professional. It is necessary that the incumbent have a working knowledge of the applications of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy in order to ensure appropriate rehabilitative assessments, treatment, and management. The occupational therapist will perform the following: Independently develop, implement and evaluate therapeutic rehabilitation programs within the framework of HBPC and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Service (PM&RS). 2. Assess the goals, living skills, physical abilities, and related needs for each patient referred for in-home assessment. 3. Develop a treatment plan directed toward achieving maximum level of functioning within the home, consulting with other PM&RS or HBPC disciplines as indicated, and developing the plan in collaboration with the patient and caregiver. 4. Implement the treatment plan by: providing direct patient care; procuring necessary equipment/adaptive devices; instructing and training the client and caregiver concerning exercises, activities of daily living, rehabilitation techniques, and equipment/adaptive devices; and recommending community referrals. 5. Reassess patients' levels of functioning and home environment, revising the treatment plan as indicated and terminating treatment objectives when met and/or the patient has achieved maximum 6. Evaluate the need for additional services and use professional judgment to initiate consultation with other professionals to provide such services. 7. Evaluate the home for structural or positional changes in order to promote the patient's safety and independence. Changes may include installation of ramps, bars, widening of door frames, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for wheelchair accessibility, changes in furniture heights, adjustment of traffic patterns, and modification of wheelchairs. 8. Participate in the HCBS Performance Improvement Program, including completing assessment and documentation required by performance measures applicable to the occupational therapist's role. 9. Serve as content expert in ordering complex and specialized medical equipment Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600 or 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized