This position is located at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC) in Aurora, Colorado and functions within PM&RS, VA ECHCS. This position provides supervisory support to the PM&RS Outpatient Operations for Occupational Therapy (OT), including but not limited outpatient Occupational Therapy, Home Based Primary Care, Caregiver Support Program, Homeless Program, and additional providers within PMRS, as assigned. This position serves as a subject matter expert in Occupational Therapy.
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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A. Education and/or Experience. 1) 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. (d) 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. License: 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. Certification: Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. 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. 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 Determination Education, Experience, and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, applicant will need the completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality performance, and productivity within the service. Skill in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers to include conflict resolution. Ability to utilize evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools. References: VA Handbook 5005/120, Part II, Appendix G14, Occupational Therapist Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Preferred Experience: Leadership experience preferred. Outpatient Occupational Therapy or community based Occupational Therapy experience preferred. Physical Requirements: There will be periods of walking and ambulating patients, providing patient transfers, some lifting of 50 pounds and supporting patients. Additionally, prolonged periods of sitting may be required.
OT Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the OT sections located within the Outpatient Physical Therapy section at RMR, and specialty programs throughout ECHCS. Responsible for various outpatient-based rehabilitation programs to include, but are not limited to, Neuro, TBI, amputee, pain, home safety, hands, ADL assessments, as well as CSP, HBPC, and HudVASH. Directly supervises more than 10 employees that may include Occupational Therapists, and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, as well as potentially Physical Therapists on specialty teams. Demonstrates a great deal of autonomy in performing supervisory responsibilities to include, but are not limited to, assigning work to employees, monitoring workload and clinical volume, reviewing work of employees to assure accuracy and validity of submissions, imposing disciplinary measures, and monitoring clinical privileges. Provide supervision of key clinical and educational training programs, including the overall technical oversight of the OTs/COTAs within ECHCS. Perform human resources administration including such functions as the ability to interview and select qualified applicants, monitor and evaluate performance, and maintain effective labor management relations within the scope of responsibilities. Responsible for the development, approval, and implementation of policies and procedures to address focused clinical needs and the overall services delivered and provided within the section. Responsible for the coordination and development of rehabilitative services throughout the Eastern Colorado catchment area. Coordinates Occupational Therapy services in southern Colorado in collaboration with local supervisors. Provides direct patient care Clinical Supervise and assign work to OTs, Assistants, aides, trainees, and volunteers in the delivery and/or support of treatment and education of patients and families. Ensure consults are triaged within appropriate timeframes for appropriateness and completeness prior to scheduling. Coordinates with Health Administration Service to ensure scheduling for all consults for new patients. Coordinates with other sections and other services in the area of OT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care. Serves as a consultant to OT staff and other personnel in evaluating and planning OT treatment. Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of outpatient OT services, and specialty programs within ECHCS. Performs all other duties/activities of a staff OT including evaluation and treatment of patients. Delegates tasks to staff therapists and support staff appropriately. Education Identifies continuing education needs based on performance of staff. Assists with education of student trainees from multiple schools, and OT Fieldwork programs. Develops and plans educational programs to include patient, family, and professional personnel. Educates other facility personnel in the scope of services and programs involving a variety of healthcare specialties. Coordinates research studies and serves as consultant to staff in research initiatives. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Per agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-55381-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized