Clarification from the agency

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the Dod Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

• Perform a wide range of complex occupational therapy duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of occupational therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection.
• Utilize evaluation techniques to determine patient's current functional level using standardized/clinically accepted measurement and evaluation tools, clinical observations, patient/staff interviews, and review of medical histories.
• Provide technical supervision of, oversight, and collaboration with the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).
• Develop and implement complex, goal-oriented treatment plans for patients presenting with a multiplicity of dysfunction and impairments in physical, functional and adaptive areas associated with functional activity.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement goal-oriented group and/or behavioral-focused individual OT treatment programs, selecting activities to increase or improve muscle strength, range of motion, coordination
• Apply the use of therapeutic modalities and new integrative techniques and technologies for the purpose of evaluation and ongoing treatment.
• Incorporate psychosocial and environmental factors that contribute to the impact of injury or illness on daily life and functional performance.
• Provide patient/family education on the injury/disease process and its effect on function, joint protection, energy conservation, ergonomic needs, work simplification, and cognitive compensatory techniques.

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain Basic Life Support training certification from, or in accordance with, the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.
• This position requires prescribed credentials and/or current licensing as an Occupational Therapist.
• This position has been designated "Mission Essential".
• Employees assigned to a medical treatment facility are required to be screened for applicable immunizations or pre-existing immunity based on occupational risk, regardless of job series.
• The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs.
• This position has a requirement to lift up to 45 lbs.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination.
• This position has a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination requirement and is subject to annual vaccination.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
• This position requires regular contact with children under the age 18 and a favorable determination of suitability

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the Education and experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirements for Occupational Therapist:

Education:
Successfully completed a graduate or higher-level education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as an occupational therapy curriculum approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education(external link) (ACOTE) or a professional accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained; Completion of the clinical requirements prescribed by the school.

Certification:
Applicants must have passed the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy(external link) (NBCOT).

Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0631 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes 1.) Providing inpatient rehab and acute care Occupational Therapy (OT) services at the local organization; 2.) Performing assessments for adaptive devices and upper extremity orthotics; 3.) Evaluates patients' treatment plan and modifies to meet the patient's need; 4.) Determining and ordering supplies and/or equipment within the section budget; 5.) Demonstrating effective communication, interpersonal and instructional skills to foster appositive learning environment and promote student success. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.