The position requires professional/clinical skills to perform occupational therapy procedures/treatments as requested by physicians for veterans in all states of health and illness with specialization in the areas of acute care, extended care, acute and chronic psychiatry, gero-psychiatry. Regular Travel is required. Employee will be expected to travel to Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), home visits, and outpatient and inpatient Community Living Center (CLC) at the Hot Springs VA facility.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Education and/or Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED). 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 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 Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. 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. 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. Grandfathering Provision: 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). English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determination Occupational Therapist, GS-9 (1) Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Occupational Therapist, GS-11 (1) 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. (2) 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 (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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS09 to GS12. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Evaluates the veterans Occupational Profile providing an understanding of the client occupational history, experiences, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs, motor and process skills and communication/interaction skills. The veteran's problems and concerns about performing occupations and daily life activities are identified and priorities are determined. Targeted outcomes are also identified. Initial OT evaluation will follow established guidelines. Develops an intervention plan based on evaluation findings, OT theory and evidence based practice. This plan is to be developed in collaboration with the veteran and care partners as appropriate. The plan will consider potential discharge needs. The plan will include objective and measurable goals with an established timeframe. Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across some areas of practice as appropriate as an developing level practitioner Documents the veteran's response to treatment, therapists' interventions and the progress toward reaching the desired targeted outcomes as per VA regulations and section guidelines. Reevaluates the plan; modify the plan as needed to achieve targeted outcomes. Determines the need for continuation, discontinuation or referral. Develops and coordinate educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevent premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment. Oversees treatment provided by staff occupational therapy assistants (COTA) if one exists Monitors currently used assessments/treatment methods and revise as necessary to reflect current methodology and Joint Commission, AOTA, State licensure, CMS and other appropriate regulating bodies' standards. Demonstrates ability to facilitate safe patient assisted transfers to and from chair, bed, toilet, and car. Collaborates with staff throughout the medical center to create an environment that will maximize the veteran's functional abilities and their quality of life. Works effectively with treatment team and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Serves as full team member on assigned wards. Serves as active participant in quality improvement programs. Contribute to interdisciplinary assessments (i.e., FIM, MDS, etc.) and care plans. Assists with the Performance Improvement efforts for the occupational therapy section, following activities that detect and remedy deficiencies in process and outcome of OT services. Demonstrates autonomy in performing responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, monitoring their own workload and clinical volume. Assists OT supervisor in utilization and management of available space for current, additional or expanding therapy programs. Demonstrates the ability to set priorities, delegate tasks to volunteers and work study students, and solve problems in order to meet multiple deadlines. Assists the OT Supervisor in utilization review activities, quality improvement, and other administrative reporting as necessary. Assists the OT Supervisor, Coordinator of PM&RS and service Chief in preparations for Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and any other accreditation programs or inspections. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, schedule to be discussed during interview Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized