Occupational Therapist

Full Job Description

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET.

The North Florida/South Georgia VA Healthcare System's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Occupational Therapist.

The ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program.

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement.

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. 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. 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.

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).

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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

Occupational Therapist, GS-12: Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to 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. 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: This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, hands and legs, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking & standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing and able to hear whisper.

The incumbent must be physically, emotionally and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others. Major Duties:

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Provides direct patient care as assigned delivering outpatient/hand Occupational Therapy services according to program requirements.

Screens patients for Occupational Therapy services for appropriateness, types of services and rehabilitation potential.

Independently develops and implements Occupational Therapy treatment using judgment to modify the treatment as a result of changing medical conditions.

Evaluates a wide range of patients with complex disabilities to determine level of function using standardized and non-standardized tests.

Assists multidisciplinary medical team in coordination or patient's treatment and discharge planning.

Communicates with patients, families, treatment team members, and other Medical Center personnel and associates in the community to provide comprehensive services.

Utilizes aides, students, and volunteers to implement Occupational Therapy services. Works collaboratively with the leadership to design and implement programs within PM&RS.

Insure proper supply levels are maintained for patient treatment. Maintains and submits in a timely manner statistics and other required reports.

Understands and adheres to policies and procedures in the section manual. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm (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 #: 55495F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized