Clarification from the agency

Open to ALL US Citizens All qualified applicants encouraged to apply. Veterans preference applies to all applicants. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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The Occupational Therapist independently performs a comprehensive evaluation and interpretation of the level of functions and carries out the appropriate therapy to teach new or compensating skills to optimize patient performance on his/her roles. Work is done independently, with general supervision and performance evaluated by outcomes.

Occupational Therapist at Full Performance Level (FPL) include, but are not limited to:

• Provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness and performance in ADL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure and social participation. Uses standard and non-standard evaluation procedures and advanced techniques to obtain information about patient's impairment, activity limitations, participation restrictions, strengths and barriers. Adapts assessment tools to the complexity of the diagnosis and identify the need for further depth specific assessment.
• Develops and implements independently, an individualized treatment program based on patients' goals, evaluation findings, physician recommendations, person potential to benefit and intended discharge environment.
• Collaborates with the treatment team by interpreting assessments predicted outcomes and rehabilitation needs for establishing or modifying treatment goals and discharge plans.
• Assesses educational needs of patients and caregivers and meets those considering physical/mental capabilities, cultural and behavioral variables.
• Orients patients and family or caregiver on assessment findings and treatment plan to involve them in the total rehabilitation management of the person. Education will be documented to keep track, and reinforce education as needed.
• Performs assessment for wheelchair(s) (manual, motorized and/or sports) and configuration cushion assessment and provides adequate positioning which is important in spinal cord injury person(s) served.
• Uses judgment knowledge and skills to provide advanced treatment modalities that may include, but not to be limited to: task-oriented activities, creative media, games, computers and vocational and/or psyco-educational exercises are used, also. Complements treatment program with the application of mobilization, sensory integration and neuro-developmental techniques. Certified in the use of Alpha-Stirn (micro-current stimulation).
• Recommends and/or fabricates and applies orthotic/prosthetic appliances, self-help devices and electronic aids to enhance daily living skills.
• Evaluates discharge environment (home and/or employment site) to recommend changes or modifications that will facilitate function of patient to be successful in his/her roles. Consider architectural attitudinal, communication, employment and any other barrier affecting outcomes.
• Re-evaluates person served at appropriate intervals and updates treatment plan and goals accordingly, to promote the skills necessary to be successful in next environment of care. Documents at the beginning, during interdisciplinary rounds and at the end of every admission.
• Documents in the medical record all treatments interventions, as required by policies and procedures of Service and accrediting bodies.
• Responsible for utilizing appropriate protective equipment when needed, observing safety measures always and participation in drills.
• Always enforces confidentiality of patient and employee's information.
• Employee meets national and agency safety/infection control standards for OSHA, CARF and TJC.
• Actively participates in SCI Adaptive Sports Clinic assisting in the rehabilitation of person(s) served and in the preparation for their participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
• Incumbent has an active relationship with the Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Attending Physicians, Resident Physicians and Staff Physicians to include open communication and participation in case discussions

Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00am- 4:30pm. May include some evenings, weekends, holidays and on-call duties(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 62605F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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.
• 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).
• 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 1 or 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 Proficiency: Candidate must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

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).

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

(1) 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~

(2) 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~

(3) 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.

• Certification-Documentation Must be Submitted: Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.
• State Licensure-Documentation Must be Submitted: Candidate 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 a Graduate Occupational Therapist

• 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.
• 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.
• A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed] OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
• Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.

GRADE REQUIREMENTS:
Occupational Therapist, GS-12 - (licensure and certification-Must be submitted)

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, license and certification requirements, you must have one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level directly related to the position being filled.

Additionally, you must demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed below.

• (a) Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice.
• (b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
• (c) 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.
• (d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment).
• (e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.

Preferred Experience: 2 Years minimum in Rehabilitation setting Outpatient/inpatient. Experience in wheelchair mapping, patients with tetra/paraplegia, complex ADL and transfer, interdisciplinary teams, virtual rehabilitation equipment's, experience in inpatients setting. Neurological Rehabilitation skills.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds or over); light carrying (under 15 pounds); straight pushing (.5 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (.5 hours); standing (.5 hours); crawling (.5 hours); kneeling (.5 hours); repeated bending (1 hour); climbing, legs only (.5 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; operation of crane, truck, tractor or motor vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement (corrective lenses okay); both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be 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.