The Occupational Therapist provides direct patient care to a population of adult veterans hallmarked by the multiplicity and chronicity of their medical rehabilitation issues. As a consequence of these of these issues, the incumbent must possess a unique knowledge base relative to the impact of aging on the rehabilitative process and the care of complex, frail patients.
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: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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). Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist: 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). 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. A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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: GS-9: For entry level experience, applicants must have the basic requirements for the position. GS-11: In order to determine if your qualifications meet the GS-11 grade, you must have at least one year of experience at the GS-09 grade level directly related to the position being filled and the following KSAs listed below OR three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy a directly related field OR Doctorate in occupational therapy. KSAs as followed: Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12: In order to determine if your qualifications meet the GS-12 grade, you must have at least one year of experience at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled and the following KSAs: 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. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. 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. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. Preferred Experience: Preferred Occupational Therapist Rehabilitation experience. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-12.
The Occupational Therapist is responsible for evaluations including medical history, results and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements. This includes but not limited to functional endurance tests, EKG monitored exercise tolerance, oxygen saturation, range of motion, muscle strength, sensory/perceptual deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, ADL and IADL performance, cognition, and social needs. Tests are frequently complex and may need to be adapted because of multiple physical disabilities or present medical conditions. Consultation with more experienced therapists on very complex patients is expected and appropriate. Other duties may include but not limited to: Evaluations address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age-appropriate level. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them developed and implemented to ensure accurate patient evaluation. Communication with outside health care providers via written, fax or phone communication to coordinate care. Responsible for providing comprehensive patient care for Cardiopulmonary Rehab Patients. Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals, timelines for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or other stakeholder input and may include consultation with more experienced therapists. Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals, timelines for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or other stakeholder input and may include consultation with more experienced therapists. Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories or treatment of cardiopulmonary rehab and occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of therapeutic cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharge planning in concert with the Cardiopulmonary Rehab and Medical Center staff. Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred for cardiopulmonary rehab/occupational therapy. Documents within established guidelines. Responsible for participating and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and techniques related to Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Occupational Therapy and other related topics, additional Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities. Physical Requirements: The work involves regular and reoccurring physical exertion with various periods of sitting, standing, bending, walking, squatting/stooping, twisting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching overhead. Fine manipulation, including keyboarding is required for up to 2 to 3 hours per day. Requirements for lifting will generally be up to 25 pounds with occasions of 25-50 pounds required particularly in transferring of patients. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: GS-9 - 30889-F, GS-11 - 30890-F, GS-12 - 30835-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized