Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Area of consideration is open to Current, permanent VA Medical Center employees, current permanent VA employees from another facility, and external public applicants.

Videos

Occupational Therapists at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System/ are organizationally accountable to the Chief, Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy and Chief, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service. Occupational Therapists are graduates of a baccalaureate degree program in occupational therapy or a post baccalaureate certification program recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Committee on Allied Health, Education, and Accreditation of the American Medical Association. The incumbent will primarily perform patient care and work at the Ann Arbor VA in the outpatient occupational therapy area providing professional clinical services, conducting research, carrying out education and training activities, clinical consultation, supervision, and administration. In performing these duties, the OT demonstrates professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of occupational therapist. This position includes the evaluation and treatment of physical disabilities and mental health conditions in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

• The OT's primary function is direct patient care. The OT practices independently and is responsible for comprehensive assessment of Veterans' functional and occupational abilities using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools.
• 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), Instrumental ADLs, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
• The OT demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories of occupational therapy treatment and their proper application using activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references and therapeutic procedures. Some of the OT's practice may include use of telehealth technology.

Functions and Scope Provides Occupational Therapy Services. The incumbent has the ability to independently employ standardized and non-standardized methods and techniques for evaluating and interpreting a wide variety of complex physical and psychosocial functional levels and for providing progressive treatments. Outpatient populations addressed include mental health, general physical disabilities, patients with hand conditions and homeless Veterans. The sole OT the ability to interpret written prescriptions and develop relevant individualized treatment plans accordingly.

Identifies Customer Concerns. Applies discernment and sensitivity when performing tasks required resolving issues accurately and timely. Facilitates any necessary follow-up so as to insure satisfactory resolutions. Communicates tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing in order to meet the program objectives. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of technical health care and processes as they relate to the patients' care.

Advanced Administrative Support. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of managing a clinic and in particular, independently utilizes various Occupational Therapy reference sources to ensure patients timely services. Collaborates in the decision making process with management and clinical staff in order to resolve problems within a complex system environment.

Documentation. Completes patient care documentation according to accreditation standards. Utilizes computerized programs and databases in order to enter, modify and retrieve sensitive information and various date in to or from electronic medical records, scheduling systems and /or reporting formats. Utilizes such programs and database to make appointments in administrative setting. Maintains patient confidentiality with written and verbal information, per HIPPA requirements this may include preparing various formats to organizational leaders throughout the facility.

Clinical Education. Student Supervision- Has a responsibility to the profession and the facility to provide instruction to Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant students assigned to the facility for clinical affiliations, and possesses skills commensurate with that responsibility. Community Responsibility- May serve as a resource person to the community, VISN, and VA nationally in matters relating to Occupational Therapy delivery, research and the needs of the Veteran population.

Quality Improvement. Professional Growth and Continuing Competency- Maintains a high level of professional competence by continuing participation in learning experiences/continuing education courses. Participates in and attends Occupational Therapy Section in-services as well as facility wide in-services. Attends mandatory in-service training as required by VA, PM&R, and OT policies.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Schedule may vary as deemed necessary to meet the needs of the Veterans and the Medical Center.

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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

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.

Education and/or Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:

• Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; OR
• Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; OR
• Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.

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). 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.

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:
Occupational Therapist, GS-12

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

Demonstrated KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate 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 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting 45+lbs, Moderate lifting 15-44lbs, Moderate carrying 15-44lbs, Pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking 2-4 hours, standing 4-6 hours, repeating bending, climbing (use of legs and arms), Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted), Mental and emotional stability.

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.