Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist assumes responsibility for one or more of the specialty treatment areas of the PM&RS Occupational Therapy Programs in Psychiatry (Acute and/or Chronic), Geriatrics, Independent Living, Home Based Primary Care, Gero-Psychiatry, Physical Disabilities and/or Student Training.

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education: 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;Are you a Graduate from a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or predecessor organizations to include an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). The ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

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.
• Licensure/Certification: The OT must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license, certification, or registration or trademark to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia.
• English language: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a, requires that applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Grade Determinations: GS-12 Occupational Therapist Specialized Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively complex experience and a broader scope of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) directly related to the position being filled, individuals assigned as GS-12 OTs must demonstrate all of the following1. 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.2. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.3. 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.4. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment).5. Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.

Preferred Experience: Lymphedema and Hand Therapy experience.

References: VA Handbook 5005/25; Part II; Appendix G14; Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0631The 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

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (intermittent), Standing (intermittent); Kneeling (intermittent); Repeated bending (intermittent); Both legs required; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional and Mental Stability.

Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Clinical

• Independent evaluation of the patient's functional abilities by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine Occupational Therapy needs. Primary evaluation instruments and/or procedures to include, but are not limited to cognitive assessments, goniometry, strength measurements, activities of daily living evaluations, work evaluations, observation, interview, and review of medical histories.
• Based on findings from the evaluation, incumbent plans an effective and specialized treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the disabilities & conditions being treated. In collaboration with patient and significant other/caregivers, incumbent establishes short-term and long-term goals, that are objective, measurable, and within certain time frames. Implements the treatment program, modifying program as needed to achieve goals. Incumbent works in collaboration with patient, family/caregivers, and other team members to establish appropriate discharge plans. Recognizes contraindications, precautions, and appropriateness of treatment prescribed by referring provider and consults with referring provider if these are in question. Incumbent recognizes adverse reactions to treatment and initiates effective action immediately.
• When conducting patient assessments and providing patient care, the Occupational Therapist considers the age of the patient as it relates to his/her ability to understand directions, provide effective self assessment, and participate safely and appropriately in the treatment program.
• Develops and implements individualized Occupational Therapy treatment programs for patients. Periodically conducts quality assurance utilization reviews regarding patient treatment and departmental issues.
• Works effectively with patients, families, friends, treatment team members, volunteers, and primary providers.
• May evaluate a variety of patients as appropriate for their diagnoses to determine current levels of UE function.
• May be responsible for the rehabilitation of conditions which require lymphedema management.

Education

• Actively participates in his/her own professional development.
• Assists in the training and supervision of student affiliates and volunteers assigned to the clinic.
• Serves as a resource to new graduates in clinical patient care issues.
• Completes the training/education facility requirements annually including mandatory (i.e., CPR, Fire, Safety, etc.) and other educational activities offered by the facility.

Administrative

• Follows all Joint Commission, VA, CARF, OSHA, etc. safety policies and procedures including infection control and equipment usage. The therapist will take steps to ensure that patients under their care comply with the same.
• Coordinates and ensures implementation and compliance regarding standards required by Joint Commission, CARF, UDS/FIM, etc. service wide.
• Accurately and timely records patient treatment, progress notes, etc. into patient records via the DHCP based program.
• The therapist receives patient referral/consult from an appropriate primary care, PM&R physician, physician assistant, and/or advance nurse practitioner. The therapist is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely scheduling of appointments and electronic waiting list entries consistent with nationally established business rules and completes annual mandatory scheduling training.
• Provides all statistical data in a timely manner. Information provided is complete, accurate and work is performed within prescribed time frame.
• Completes patient encounters information electronically. This applies to appointments and checkouts which include provider, diagnosis, and procedures within established timeframes. Encounters are to be timely, complete, and accurate.

Customer Service

• Consistently responds to patients', families', visitors, and co-workers' requests for assistance promptly and in a friendly and cooperative manner.
• Consistently communicates with customers (e.g., veterans, family members, the public) in a courteous, tactful, and helpful manner. Communication, both oral and/or written, is provided promptly and is responsive to the customer's needs.
• Routinely interacts in a professional and courteous manner with managers and other employees to facilitate the accomplishment of the work of the organization.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #:Occupational Therapist/PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for a highly qualified applicant
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Salary : $84,025 - $109,223