Summary The Occupational Therapist performs patient evaluations, establishes treatment plans, and provides treatment for a wide variety of patient referrals for the Outpatient Clinic. In addition, the position involves the ability to multi-task, organize time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing needs. Responsibilities The Occupational Therapist will perform the following duties as a regular recurring part of the job: Clinical Independently and comprehensively evaluates a wide variety of patients as appropriate for their diagnosis to determine current levels of function and areas of impairment. Evaluations may include the following areas: activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perception, and cognition standardized and non­ standardized evaluation tools. Based on the evaluation and collaboration with the patient, treatment team, and significant others (when appropriate), develops a treatment plan and measurable goals designed to restore function, compensate for dysfunction, and minimize debilitation. Implements occupational therapy plans to meet the patient's rehabilitation objectives. Treatment may include functional activities and specific treatment methods and modalities which have as their goal the improvement of patient's activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perception, or cognitive status. Treatment may involve the prescription, fabrication, and training in the use of splints and adaptive equipment as well as instructing the patient and/or caregiver in its safe and proper use. Other interventions may include the evaluation for, prescription of and training in, the use of wheelchairs and power mobility devices. The assessments may include patient's fixed and modifiable deformities, sitting/postural requirements, presence of amputations, skin integrity, pressure areas, living environment, and mode of transportation for the device. Ensuring an appropriate fit of a manual wheelchair may include making some mechanical adjustments and/or attaching positioning devices and accessories. In complex cases, the therapist may coordinate the evaluation, ordering, and assembly of systems in collaboration with a local vendor. Re-evaluates patient progress and makes appropriate modifications to treatment. Documents the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge summary according to established guidelines of The Joint Commission and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS). Trains family members/caregivers in handling of patients. Practices infection control. Acts as consultant to other staff therapists in determining appropriate evaluation tools, methods, equipment, and treatment for complex cases. Acts as consultant to members of the treatment team on matters specific to Occupational Therapy. Supervises/mentors Occupational Therapy students as assigned. Maintains productivity standards in accordance with established clinic graphics. Educational Increases knowledge and skills by attending seminar, workshops, lectures, and in-services, particularly in the field of physical rehabilitation. · Develops and implements interdepartmental and intradepartmental in-services and ongoing training. Supervises and trains occupational therapy interns and students when assigned by supervisor. Interprets occupational therapy to patients, residents, allied health professionals, students, volunteers, visiting public and Veterans Affairs officials. Administrative Identifies supply and equipment needs and submits requests for ordering and ensuring proper supply inventory levels are maintained. Maintains a safe and orderly clinic environment. Responsible for identifying safety hazards and faulty equipment in the OT clinic and submitting appropriate work orders. Participates in developing Quality Improvement indicators, monitors QI activity, and provides statistical data as needed. Identifies opportunities for program development and assists Section Chief in developing new programs or expanding current programs. Monitors the delivery of Occupational Therapy services at McClellan and keeps Section Chief informed of any concerns or problems. Participates in the development of processes with the goal of promoting timely and efficient delivery of Occupational Therapy services. Participates in designing evaluation and progress note forms. Shares ideas and concerns regarding the Occupational Therapy department with the OT Section Chief. Carries out other job related activities and special assignments as requested by the Occupational Therapy Section Chief. OTs at this level may be given assignments in any area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications 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. United States Citizenship: You must 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. English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). C. Education and/or Experience: 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. 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. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the degree accreditation requirements if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted 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. Creditable Experience: Experience is only creditable if it is post-graduate experience as a professional occupational therapist directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to professional occupational therapy experience at the next lower level. D. Certification: Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist. E. 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. Grandfather 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). G. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Occupational Therapist, GS-12: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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 H. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G14, Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard, dated December 13, 2019. I. Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 / Employee will need to sit at a computer to complete notes and other documents related to patient care. Employee will need to be able to stand, sit, bend knees, and push with arms and legs to provide therapy, and retrieve and work with equipment and supplies related to treatment. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and may be posted up to September 30, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 5, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st and 15th of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.