The primary functions of this position will be to provide direct care in all occupational therapy clinics and serve as a subject matter expert in Neurologic therapy. The Immediate Supervisor is the Supervisory Occupational Therapist in respect to both administrative and clinical duties. This grade level is beyond the full performance level for an occupational therapist.
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: a. 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)). b. 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. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA (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. d. Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. e. 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. f. 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. Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). *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 [(Clinical Specialist)], GS-13 (1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the [GS-12 grade] level and directly related to the position being filled [and one of the following]: [(a) A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years; (b) Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA; (c) Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area; or (d) An additional advanced degree in a related field.] [(2) Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:] (a) Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice[ ]. (b) [Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners. (c) Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization.(d) Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice.(e) Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization. (f) Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization.] Preferred Experience: 2 years' experience in treatment of neuro diagnoses, Assistive Technology Professional is preferred, but not required. 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-13. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. English Proficiency. [Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).]
* *If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply CBST-12740477-25-CT** Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties of the Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) include, but are not limited to: Is viewed as a clinician, whose skills are well beyond entry-level competence, demonstrating the ability to perform with a high degree of autonomy inpatient care and exercising independent problem- solving skills. Reviews and interprets physician's orders for accuracy/appropriateness. Reviews patient medical records and contacts physicians to make authorized changes as required. Develops complex occupational therapy treatment plans for a variety of medical and surgical problems. Utilizes a variety of standard and nonstandard methods and techniques for obtaining an accurate patient database. Interprets a wide variety of patient test results. Assists in developing fieldwork experiences to enhance students' understanding of occupational therapy. Arranges and serves as an instructor for staff in-service training programs. Develops occupational therapy patient education materials, handouts and forms related to physical therapy. Identifies continuing education needs and pursues continuing education which will further enhance skill level in occupational therapy. Provides additional training for both occupational therapy staff and other disciplines based on their advanced educational degree (Certifications, MS, or other degrees). The OT/CS spends the majority of his/her time working in a specialty content area providing independent examination in this environment. In this function, the OT/CS reports to the Supervisor of Occupational Therapy Department or Rehab Coordinator who provides clinical oversight and administrative support with consultation of the Chief of PM&R. Maintains all written reports and clinical records. c. Informs the supervisor of equipment malfunction, equipment and supply needs. Prepares special reports, in-service programs, participates in special occupational therapy projects. Performs ongoing data collection for quality assessment activities. Assists supervisor in identifying appropriate opportunities for improvement. Functions with consult management, scheduling and compliance adhering to all security and privacy regulations. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm; (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility). Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01290-F