The candidate serves as a core member of a VISN-level interprofessional group of clinical reviewers-the Centralized Eligibility & Appeals Team (CEAT). The Lead Occupational Therapist (CEAT) is responsible for reviewing complex Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) eligibility cases for admission, ongoing level of care adjustments, and discharge appropriateness.
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 Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education and Experience Requirement - You 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. The program must be approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. 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. Note: 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. 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). Grade Determinations: Lead Occupational Therapist, GS-13 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. Examples of experience include but are not limited to: practicing independently; responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools; selecting and providing direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, and performance in ADL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation; demonstrating a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures; and being assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services. AND 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 apply advanced occupational therapy knowledge to provide clinical guidance and mentorship to OT practitioners. (c) Ability to independently monitor and evaluate clinically appropriate treatment programs. (d) Ability to act as a liaison between OT practitioners and the supervisor by coordinating clinical activities, program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. (e) Ability to assess, prioritize, and address interpersonal or programmatic conflicts at the lowest possible level. (f) Ability to implement, revise and update evidence based protocols, procedures and approved competencies for occupational therapy services. Preferred Experience: Experience within the following areas is preferred Caregiver Support Program Primary Care Mental Health Geriatrics Home-based Primary Care Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting. The candidate must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. In the performance of duties, the incumbent may be required to drive and/or ride in GSA-vehicles.
This position is located in the catchment area of VISN 6 (within 50 miles of one of the VISN 6 VA facilities). Pay will be determined based on the employee's location. This is not a remote position, the candidate selected must already reside or relocate to a VISN6 catchment area. The candidate serves as the Caregiver Support Program Lead Occupational Therapist assigned to the VISN, which provides a state-of-the-art continuum of services, education and resources to caregivers of Veterans with complex needs, as a member of the VISN Centralized Eligibility & Appeals Team (CEAT). Duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for expert knowledge of eligibility criteria for the PCAFC, day-to-day operation of the program, and all reporting requirements within the assigned VISN. Performing a wide range of services, collaborating with interdisciplinary CEAT members to make eligibility determinations, level determinations, discharges, and appeals for the PCAFC. Utilizing sound judgment in the interpretation of trends and patterns; application of regulation, policy, guidelines; and the recommendation of program enhancements. Working with interdisciplinary team members at VISN and facility levels to ensure coordinated and directed eligibility determinations for the PCAFC. Coordinating with other Regional CEATs and VACO CSP to develop and implement strategies for PCAFC eligibility, level determinations, discharge, and appeals processes. Conducting comprehensive clinical review of patient records to identify Veteran needs. Analyzing data obtained in record review for use in determining clinical eligibility for PCAFC. Conducting peer reviews, as assigned, to ensure consistency in eligibility determinations. Receiving, reviewing, and dispositioning PCAFC initial eligibility decisions; reassessments; and appeal decisions for clinical eligibly determinations. The VISN CEAT Lead OT may have up to 15-20% dedicated time for clinical practice or educational, research, or supervisory duties at a nearby VA medical center. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: ADHOC-May be authorized (Employees who Telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement). Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized