This Occupational Therapy Assistant position is located at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System in the Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service Line; is an integral part of a large comprehensive Occupational Therapy Service at the Minneapolis VAHCS. This is a Complexity Level 1a facility with a National Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, a Spinal Cord Injury and Neurological Disease Center, an Amputation Regional Center, a Polytrauma Transitional Rehab program and a Polytrauma Network Site.
Summary
This Occupational Therapy Assistant position is located at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System in the Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service Line; is an integral part of a large comprehensive Occupational Therapy Service at the Minneapolis VAHCS. This is a Complexity Level 1a facility with a National Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, a Spinal Cord Injury and Neurological Disease Center, an Amputation Regional Center, a Polytrauma Transitional Rehab program and a Polytrauma Network Site.
First area of consideration - current permanent employees of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS) to include the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), and the Minneapolis Veterans Canteen Service; Second area of consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees
The Incumbent is assigned to the Behavioral Recovery Outreach Team (BROT). The position requires knowledge in treatment of dementia, other cognitive disorders and a variety of cognitive mental health disorders, management of behavioral sequelae, and knowledge of medical diagnoses, in the context of both acute and chronic medical illness.
The BROT serves a core panel of veterans, serve as resource for complex, difficult to discharge veterans hospitalized on the acute medicine units, and serve as a liaison to those veterans served in supportive community settings (e.g., community nursing homes, assisted living settings, medical foster homes, group homes, etc.). The BRO team may also provide consultation to community facilities for veterans who have discharged from the BROT program. The veteran population served by the BROT commonly exhibit behavioral disturbances and dementia-related behaviors. They commonly have complex psychosocial circumstances, ethically challenging situations, and limited psychosocial supports and/or limited financial resources. Staff providing services within the BROT program include physicians, psychologists, social workers, nursing staff, and occupational therapists. Additional staff may be utilized on a consultative basis (e.g., psychiatry, neurology, etc.) based on individualized needs of the veteran.
The OTA role may deliver group programming and patient interventions. OTA uses activities utilizing core tenants of occupational therapy training and approaches but does not provide individual OT intervention for specified therapy treatment plan. OTA intervention is usually provided in a group setting with additional one to one sessions as needed. Programming includes social and cognitive engagement, education, maintenance group exercises and health & wellness. OTA uses knowledge and skills in environmental modifications, sensory integration and behavioral management to facilitate positive engagement and routines. Programming does not require OTR supervision and is part of the overall BRO program. Additional duties and responsibilities within the BRO program include assisting with the operations of the program which may include assistance at mealtimes, covering for other programming, and other functions of the program.
Additional duties and responsibilities are consistent with usual OT clinic operations such as providing cross coverage as needed within the OT department and prioritizing needs for coverage within the department to meet client needs. The incumbent may serve on assigned committees, work groups and other efforts to meet standards of care as identified by CARF and/or Joint Commission on Accreditation
Functions of the Position:
Clinical: Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients who have a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
1. Identifies strategies for modifying intervention to meet level of patient
2. Consults with BRO team to identify strengths and barriers of specific interventions for participation
Knowledge of variety of standardized assessment tools in order to provide a more comprehensive intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
1. Independently administers standardized assessments including assessments for cognition after completing training and deemed competent by OTR.
2. Able to communicate findings of assessments to the OTR for treatment planning.
3. Shares information re: patient performance and indications for activities of daily living with team for team communication and planning in a manner that is understandable and applicable to other roles.
Ability to utilize more complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills, to maximize patient's functional status.
1. Demonstrates ability to modify approach when working with a veteran to make the activity match the veteran's needs.
2. Demonstrates the ability to identify individual treatment program change needs and communicate this to the OTR.
Ability to modify and adapt therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
1. Independently offers information and instructions to veterans with varied levels of cognition.
2. Provides graded level directions to allow veterans to participate in therapeutic groups and interventions with consideration of their level of cognition.
3. Provides information regarding ways to structure activities for veterans to family members, other health care professions and program staff.
4. Makes changes in BRO program plans, methods and modalities based on patient response to activities, communication with team members, feedback from family members and the patient's goals as well as contact with other therapists.
Work Schedule: Full Time Monday - Friday 12:00 p.m. (noon) - 8:30p.m.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
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.
English Language Proficiency: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
Education Requirement:
Successful completion of an associate's degree in occupational therapy from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
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:
GS-4
(a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Ability to review patient data and make a preliminary determination of their needs.
2. Ability to obtain subjective history.
3. Ability to interpret information gained through subjective history.
4. Ability to communicate with health care providers, patients, and staff for optimal patient care.
(c) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as staff OTAs. It is expected that they receive
guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require daily direct
insight supervision by the treating occupational therapist.
GS-5
(a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 6 months of experience comparable to the next
lower grade level. Experience may have been gained as an OTA, rehabilitation aide, technician, volunteer,
or in the medical health services field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives.
2. Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory.
3. Skill in written communication to document preliminary data, progress/change in status, discharge
status, and patient or caregiver education.
4. Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communications.
5. Ability to assist in the use of standardized assessment tools to the area of practice assigned.
(c) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as staff OTAs. It is expected that they receive
guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require daily and direct
contact at the site of work from the assigned supervisor.
GS-6
(a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower
grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of a variety of standardized assessment tools in order to provide a more comprehensive
intervention under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
2. Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients who have a
wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
3. Ability to provide complex/multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers, and other health care
professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual.
4. Ability to promote occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions
within the assigned areas.
(c) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as staff OTAs, receiving little to no guidance from
more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require general supervision by the
treating occupational therapist.
GS-7
(a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower
grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Ability to utilize more complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving
skills, to maximize patient's functional status.
2. Ability to modify and adapt therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range
of diagnoses and disabilities.
3. Ability to identify and recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical
equipment.
(c) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as staff OTAs. This is the full performance level
for the OTA requiring routine and less frequent supervision. Assignments include: supervising OTA
students, and overseeing their clinical training experiences at the technical level of education; providing
department in-service training; and providing caregiver and home management training to patients and
families. OTAs at this level receive minimum guidance from the occupational therapist.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G22
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-7.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
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 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.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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.
How you will be evaluated
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.
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.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c (Current Withing Past 12 Months)
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
These documents are required at the time of application:
Resume: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019) Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week if part-time) Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the grade at which you qualify.
Transcript: You must submit a copy of your transcripts (official or unofficial) with your application
SF50: You MUST provide your most recent (Non award) SF-50 that shows your current status as a current permanent VA employee on are currently or were enrolled in a VA Training Program.
10-2850c: You MUST provide the completed VAF-10-2850c (signed within the past 12 months), Application for Associated Health Occupations. Failure to provide this form may result in your not being considered for this position. Please see the vacancy announcement, under the Required Documents section, for detailed information.
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.
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-50s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/08/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11009908.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
One Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c (Current Withing Past 12 Months)
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
These documents are required at the time of application:
Resume: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & Year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2019) Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week if part-time) Your resume must also demonstrate that you meet the KSAs listed for the grade at which you qualify.
Transcript: You must submit a copy of your transcripts (official or unofficial) with your application
SF50: You MUST provide your most recent (Non award) SF-50 that shows your current status as a current permanent VA employee on are currently or were enrolled in a VA Training Program.
10-2850c: You MUST provide the completed VAF-10-2850c (signed within the past 12 months), Application for Associated Health Occupations. Failure to provide this form may result in your not being considered for this position. Please see the vacancy announcement, under the Required Documents section, for detailed information.
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.
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-50s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/08/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11009908.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
One Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
