Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens and other current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. Other federal employees will be referred on a separate certificate. Current, permanent employees of the VA should apply to: CBSY-12633505-25-JJA

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Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate correct application of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current professional occupational therapy practice as evidenced by licensure. Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
• Utilizes 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 veterans. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. Ability to procure, fabricate, adjust, adapt and modify orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Participates in the performance improvement activities of the service.
• Selects standardized testing and follows defined protocols when indicated. Develops and implements individualized occupational therapy treatment programs for veterans. Included in the intervention plan are client-centered goals that are clear, measurable, functional, contextually relevant and appropriate to the veteran's needs and expected outcomes. Develops and documents an intervention plan that is based on the results of the occupational therapy evaluation and the goals of the veteran. Monitors progress during the intervention process and documents progress of goals, performance and needs. Modifies intervention to reflect changes in status and response to intervention.
• Informs Veteran's and appropriate others regarding the relative benefits and risks of the intervention. Discontinues services when the client has achieved predetermined goals, has achieved maximum benefits from occupational therapy services, does not desire to continue services or upon failure to demonstrate continued progress toward goals. Prepares and implements a discharge plan that addresses follow-up resources and identifies change in status between initial evaluation and discharge. This may require provision of adapted equipment, environmental alterations and involvement with outside agencies and community resources.
• Works effectively with treatment team members including, veterans, family/significant others, and other health care providers in coordinating the veteran's total care. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders to promote positive communication, collaboration and teamwork. Documents evaluation results, treatment plans, patient response to treatment and education given in accordance with the facility policy including The Joint Commission requirements and Long-Term Care Institute requirements, VHA, VISN, CARF and AOTA guidelines. Performs timely documentation in accordance with service and medical center policies.
• Reviews Occupational Therapy consults to identify necessary elements and determine clinical appropriateness of referral for assessment and evaluation. Educates current and potential referral sources about the scope of occupational therapy services and the process of initiating occupational therapy services. Uses screening methods appropriate to the veteran's performance and communicates screening results and recommendations to the appropriate personnel. Refers clients to resources outside PMRS through their medical provider when the needs of the client can best be served by the expertise of other professionals or services.
• Maintains clinic cleanliness and equipment functioning, enforcing safety policies and procedures. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures strict adherence to federal, state, and local codes concerning health, safety, and the environment as applicable within the performance of his/her duties.
• Incumbent is responsible for providing evaluation and treatment for both inpatient and outpatient veterans in order to maximize Veteran's functional level. Educates in use of orthoses and adaptive equipment, both prefabricated and custom equipment. Evaluates for home modifications to enhance accessibility. Educates patients and families by demonstrating techniques designed to attain veterans' highest level of independence Also includes the use of physical agent modalities.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 08:00 to 16:30
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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

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 be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Education and/or Experience. 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.

• 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.

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.

Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist.:

1. OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).
2. Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed.
3. OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2).
4. Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed

Grade Determinations:
GS-9
Education, Experience, or Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. (See basic requirements above)

GS-11
Education, Experience, or Licensure.
(a) Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled
OR
(b) Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field;
OR
(c) Doctorate in occupational therapy.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of occupational therapy practice.
2. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment.
3. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others.
4. Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated.
5. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing.
6. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care.
7. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice.

GS-12
Education, Experience, and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-12 grade level requires completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the applicant's resume must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G14

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-12.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.