Clarification from the agency

Open to current/former employees of the Federal Government & United States Citizens

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As the Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will provide support tot he Occupational Therapist (OT) by implementing treatment plans designed by the OT that may involve a full range of occupational therapy interventions to accomplish the therapeutic objectives of the Mental Health Program, maximizing functional outcomes, promote wellness, contribute consumer empowerment, community integration/involvement, and ultimately assist consumers in achieving their desired recovery goals.

Duties at the GS-06: At this grade level, OTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require clinical direction by the treating OT. They complete a preliminary review/examination of patient data to select, adapt and implement basic intervention plans for the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of non-complex diagnoses. OTAs recommend changes in treatment based on changes in physical, mental and/or medical status of the patient. They prepare and present written and oral patient care reports. OTAs perform non- direct patient care tasks including, but not limited to, coordinating schedules with team members and monitoring inventory of clinical supplies. They actively participate in patient/family meetings to identify patient's needs, report on patient goals and progress. OTAs communicate patient progress and any additional patient needs/treatment modifications to the OT. OTAs may provide clinical supervision (Note, this does not constitute supervisory control) to OTA students that will include promoting clinical reasoning and reflective practice, as well as ethical practice and professional competency development.

Duties at the GS-07: In addition to the above duties at the GS-06 grade level, OTAs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and/or treating OT, for patients with comorbidities and/or requiring complicated interventions. They grade and adapt treatment interventions to maximize patient's functional status. OTAs provide education regarding ways to structure activities and areas of occupation for patients to family members, other care professionals and program staff. They interact with patient and family to explain therapy procedures and discuss treatment plans to comply with indicated regimens and post discharge activities. OTAs may provide clinical supervision (Note, this does not constitute supervisory control) to OTA students and other healthcare practitioners. This will include promoting clinical reasoning and reflective practice, as well as ethical practice and professional competency development. They provide department in-service training and provide caregiver and home management training to patients and families. OTAs assist in the orientation of, and may function as a preceptor to, employees and students new to the unit as assigned and promotes occupational therapy within the facility.

Duties at the GS-08: In addition to the above duties at the GS-06 & GS-07 grade levels, OTAs at this level receive minimum guidance from the OT and seek guidance for more complex patients and specialized treatment procedures. They contribute to the screening, evaluation and re-evaluation process by administering delegated assessments and reporting observations and patient performance to the OT. OTAs plan, coordinate and administer occupational therapy treatment for prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of diverse diagnoses in all practice areas to both individuals and groups as well as develop and implement new programs. They recommend and modify assistive devices and instruct patients on their care and use to ensure optimal performance. OTAs independently provide patient education on areas of occupation, assistive devices and orthotics based on patient's and families' level of cognition, cultural and/or behavioral variables. OTAs collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient's rehabilitation, reintegration and disposition needs. They develop, participate in and ensure compliance with quality improvement activities through participation in medical center/section committees as delegated.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm
Telework: Available, Ad-Hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 07894-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 trial period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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: Physical Therapy Assistant candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below:

1. Associate (or higher) 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); OR
2. Completion of a military training program in an OTA program accredited by the ACOTE.

• Licensure: Current, full, active and unrestricted license to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Exceptions for Non-Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA):

• Knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practice
• Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication
• Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education
• Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education
• Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives
• Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory

• Skill in promoting occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas
• Ability to perform in-depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans
• Knowledge of contemporary physical therapy practice
• Ability to consult with the PT to assess progress, modify treatment and set discharge plan
• Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other healthcare professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual

• Ability to implement delegated assessments
• Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance
• Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status
• Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities
• Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment
• Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the occupational therapy scope of practice and services

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.