An experienced and licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) provides evaluation and treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and mental dysfunction. An OT provides occupational therapy services within the Neurology/Rehabilitation Service at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. 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. 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; 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 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 Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. 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. Grade Determinations: 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: 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. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. 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. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. Assignment. OTs at this level practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide 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. OTs demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures. They are assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services. OTs at this level may be given assignments in any area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time). 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 GS-12 Physical Requirements: Utilization of lifts is required for lifting greater than 35 pounds. Frequent lifting up to 35 pounds with frequent bending stooping, pushing, pulling, and overhead reaching getting up and down from the floor may be required during the performance of this position. ["Clinical Independently assesses the veterans Occupational Profile providing an understanding of the client occupational history, experiences, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs, motor and process skills and communication/interaction skills. The veteran's problems and concerns about performing occupations and daily life activities are identified and priorities are determined. Targeted outcomes are also identified. Initial OT evaluation will follow established guidelines. This position will work as part of an interdisciplinary team within the Caregiver Support Program. This position will assist with needed care coordination, Veteran functional assessments, and Home Care Assessments for Veterans and Caregivers. Completes Veteran Functional Assessments for the Caregiver Support Program as well as Home Care Assessments for the Caregiver Support Program. Develops an intervention plan based on evaluation findings, OT theory and evidence-based practice. This plan is to be developed in collaboration with the veteran and care partners as appropriate. The plan will consider potential discharge needs. The plan will include objective and measurable goals with an established timeframe. Demonstrates knowledge of complex evidence-based occupational therapy across all areas of practice. Offers treatment interventions tailored to the client's abilities/needs and design to promote, modify, maintain, or restore occupational performance. Documents the veteran's response to treatment, therapists' interventions, and the progress toward reaching the desired targeted outcomes as per VA regulations and section guidelines. Reevaluates the plan; modify the plan as needed to achieve targeted outcomes. Determines the need for continuation, discontinuation, or referral. Oversees treatment provided by staff occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants (COTA). Develops and coordinate educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevent premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment. Monitors currently used assessments/treatment methods and revise as necessary to reflect current methodology and Joint Commission, AOTA, State licensure, and other appropriate regulating bodies' standards. Demonstrates ability to facilitate safe patient assisted transfers to and from chair, bed, toilet, and car. Demonstrates physical ability to facilitate patient neuro-motor function using hands-on techniques. Practice autonomously, making recommendation and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. Administrative Collaborates with staff throughout the medical center to create an environment that will maximize the veteran's functional abilities and their quality of life. Works effectively with treatment team and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Serves as full team member in Caregiver Support Program. Serves as active participant in quality improvement programs. Contribute to interdisciplinary assessments and care plans. Assists with the Performance Improvement efforts for the occupational therapy section, following activities that detect and remedy deficiencies in process and outcome of OT services. Demonstrates autonomy in performing responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, monitoring their own workload and clinical volume. Assists OT supervisor in utilization and management of available space for current, additional, or expanding therapy programs. Demonstrates the ability to set priorities, delegate tasks to volunteers and work study students, and solve problems to meet multiple deadlines. Assists the OT Supervisor in utilization review activities, quality improvement, and other administrative reporting as necessary. Assists the OT Supervisor, Coordinator of PM&RS and service Chief in preparations for Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and any other accreditation programs or inspections. Fosters an environment that values and respects individual differences. Takes an active role in prevention of harassment behavior and adheres to policies.Follows policies and procedures (operational, privacy, IT security, etc.). Promotes and ensures a safe work environment. Follows established follows time, attendance, and leave procedures. Assists OT supervisor to assure all employees work in a safe, clean, infection-free environment and promotes these practices among program employees. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: May be available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54335-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.