Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities This position is responsible for administering occupational and vision therapy to adult patients within the Polytrauma System of Care and may participate in temporary assignments throughout STVHCS as directed by the PM&R Therapy supervisor. Serves as the subject matter expert for occupational therapy and other staff in evaluating and treating patient with visual deficits/dysfunctions. Incumbent is a licensed Occupational Therapist who is responsible for administering occupational and vision therapy to adult patients within the Polytrauma System of Care and may participate in temporary assignments throughout STVHCS as directed by the PM&R Therapy supervisor. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert for occupational therapy and other staff in evaluating and treating patient with visual deficits/dysfunctions. The occupational therapist specialist provides evaluation and treatment for polytrauma patients with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, and/or neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. In addition this OT evaluates polytrauma patients, plans, establishes and provides a full range of comprehensive treatment procedures designed to improve or restore function through the use of physical modalities, therapeutic exercise, prostheses and/or assistive devices. A. Provides weekend coverage as assigned B. Occupational therapy services may be provided away from the main campus or hospital facility for therapy interventions such as community reintegration and home assessment. Therapeutic outings may include transportation of patient(s) in an approved vehicle. Services may be provided through telehealth. Clinical 1. Upon referral from a physician, evaluates patients of varying complexity to determine functional status, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the delivery of occupational therapy services to patients who have experienced multiple traumas. 2. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized occupational therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the clinical setting for veterans who have suffered multiple traumas. Independently plans and develops comprehensive occupational therapy programs to meet patients' needs. Administration 1. Assigns and evaluates work of subordinate staff. Guides and evaluates the work of the interdisciplinary Polytrauma team as related to each patient's progress in occupational therapy. 2. Maintains procedures consistent with STVHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations including TJC (The Joint Commission) and CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.) Education 1. Supervises and trains occupational therapy students and volunteers. 2. Demonstrates the ability to teach and mentor staff in occupational therapy services, especially services required for polytrauma patients. Provides in-services and training for occupational therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. Orients new staff members to the role of occupational therapy. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0730-1600, specific hours negotiable Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. 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. (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. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the 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. 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. 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. 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.] Experience is only creditable if it is post-graduate experience as a professional OT 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. Preferred Experience: At least 2 Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) Certifications: preferred COMS & CLVT Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) 2+ years experience with both acquired and traumatic brain injury populations 2+ years Experience as a BROS References: APPENDIX G14. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0631 The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS 13. Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit at a desk to work at a computer and have adequate close visual acuity in both eyes (corrective lenses permitted) to perform activities such as entering patient care documentation, viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading. The occupational therapist must have the ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to hear (aid may be permitted) and be able to perform sedentary duties as well as duties with moderate physical demands. Position requires ability to perform repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers for keyboarding, and use of fingers use of both hands. Position requires intermittent episodes of moderate physical activity including heavy lifting, heavy carrying, pulling, pushing, crawling, kneeling, reaching above shoulders, walking, bending, climbing with use of arms and legs and operation of a motor vehicle. The occupational therapist must have the ability to perform these physical activities without endangering the health and safety of himself/herself or others. This position requires walking throughout the clinic and/or Medical Center, standing for extended periods of time, and involves sitting at a computer to perform clinical documentation and administrative dues. The occupational therapist must possess mental/emotional stability and be able to exercise patience and control emotions. Position may require travel into the community to provide care/training to veterans and caregivers. Applicant must have a valid, active, unrestricted driver's license. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Accreditation Information: 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. Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Note: If your school was accredited by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) website: School Directory - ACOTE (acoteonline.org), you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. Additional Information 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.