Employment Type : Full-Time
Serves as a consultant for occupational therapy and other medical staff in evaluating and treating the hand injury population in the occupational therapy hand specialty practice that are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy service at the CBOC and the Medical Center as needed. Not required No 13 0631 Occupational Therapist Requirements IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Other Yes Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk Suitability/Fitness Required Documents To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. Benefits A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.DutiesSummary
The OT's primary function is direct patient care, face-to-face and via telehealth. .The OT practices independently and is responsible for comprehensive assessment of Veterans' functional and occupational abilities using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools at the medical center. The OT selects and provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness and performance in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Responsibilities
Educates/orients residents and fellows regarding occupational therapy in general and specifically as it relates to hand therapy. Mentors Physical Medicine and Rehab staff and students.
Participates as a valuable member of pertinent VAAAHS treatment teams. Guides the work of the team regarding interventions and goal planning for hand patients.
Provides a minimum of one (1) in-service education program per year to PM&R staff.
Participates in performance improvement activities relating to occupational therapy services and hand therapy treatments
According to department policies, the OT is authorized to perform complex examination and treatment of Veterans at this 1B Medical Center.
Patient Evaluation- Demonstrates the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to provide treatment appropriate to patients despite complexity. Demonstrates knowledge of the changes associated with the aging/disease processes as well as possesses the ability to assess the patient's status to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs.
Patient Treatment- Provides group and individual treatments that are evidence based; promote the Veterans' strengths and abilities while adapting for limitations and develop skills that are within the individual's potential. After initial evaluation of each patient, the OT formulates progressive treatment plans and goals, and is responsible for implementation, modification, and documentation of the treatments. The OT applies advanced treatment methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to patients with a vast array of functional impairments and provides clinical practice guidance for other staff occupational therapists. The OT monitors and evaluates the occupational therapy clinical programs. Provides evaluation and treatment for the general OT population in addition to Veterans with hand conditions, including recommendations for durable medical equipment and home safety modifications. Patient caseload mix averages 50% hand conditions and 50% physical disabilities.
Interdisciplinary Relationships- Communicates with, consults and works cooperatively with the multiple disciplines, to provide comprehensive patient care. Requires advanced knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across a varied area of practice with the ability to apply this knowledge to provide guidance to staff occupational therapists within the department.
Patient-Family Counseling/Education- Consults with patients and their families through patient/family education, training and advising them of their limitations, or functional condition in home programs and post hospital adjustment. Makes recommendations for home structural adaption when indicated.
Documentation includes completion of consultation, initial notes, testing results, progress notes, discharge notes and treatment plans, patient education in accordance with hospital, OT, PM&R polices, and JCHAO standards for content and timeliness. Schedules patients, completes encounters, and closes consults in a timely manner.
Documents clearly and concisely the findings noted during evaluations as well as changes in mental/medical status via progress notes in the electronic medical record. This includes understanding and practicing documentation and coding practices to maximize reimbursement potential
Age Specific Needs- The OT demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with occasional weekends. Schedule may vary as deemed necessary to meet the needs of the Veterans and the Medical Center.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
QualificationsApplicants 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:
Education and Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
(a) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy 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 and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist.
(a) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy 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 and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist.
OR
(b) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy 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 and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field.
OR
(c) 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.
Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist. Certification in Hand Therapy is required.
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).
Preferred Experience: At least 1 year experience in an acute care and/or sub-acute care facility.
Grade Determinations: GS-13
References: VA Handbook 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14 Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0631 dated December 13, 2019, Veterans Health Administration.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.
Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, and twisting. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees. 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.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search. REQUIRED
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
HelpThis job is open to