Occupational Therapist

Full Job Description

Within the Mental Health Division's Homeless Programs, the Occupational Therapist serves as a key clinical member of the HUD/VASH multidisciplinary team, providing specialized services to homeless Veterans participating in the HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program.

The therapist collaborates closely with Mental Health Occupational Therapy colleagues and other interdisciplinary providers to develop, implement, and revise individualized treatment plans.

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: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.

Education and Experience Requirement - You must meet at least one of the following requirements below: A.

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-- B. 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-- C. Master's degree or higher in occupational therapy. The program must be approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations.

Certification: Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an occupational therapist 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, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia.

Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements as stated above, the following criteria must be met to qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level.

GS-12 Grade Level - Education, Experience, Licensure: Completion of one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.

In addition to the experience requirement, candidates 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.

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).

Preferred Experience: Mental health and home visits 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.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the full GS 12 performance Level, Physical Requirements: This position may involve standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and turning.

Major Duties:

The Occupational Therapist helps establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations to secure treatment and engagement opportunities that promote community integration for Veterans.

The therapist applies advanced occupational therapy knowledge, theories, and evidence-based practices to address the complex needs of Veterans experiencing chronic homelessness, including co-occurring medical, mental health, and substance use disorders.

This position requires clinical skills across multiple domains, including: Sensory-motor function (e.g., sensory integration, neuromuscular, and motor skills).

Cognitive integration and cognitive functional components. Psychosocial skills and psychological components impacting daily performance.

Occupational performance areas-activities of daily living (ADLs), work, and play/leisure-are evaluated through standardized and non-standardized assessments.

Occupational Agent Modalities (OAMs) are frequently utilized to support functional improvement and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

The incumbent serves as the Occupational Therapy representative on the HUD/VASH team and provides specialized expertise to support the team's mission of helping Veterans achieve housing stability, functional independence, and meaningful community participation.

Major Duties of the HUDVASH Occupational Therapist Include: Plans, develops, and implements comprehensive and individual, treatment plans with homeless veterans.

Coaching/training veterans with limitations in ADLs/IADLs.

These independent activities include, however, are not limited to: Creating a grocery list, planning and preparing meals, housekeeping and washing laundry, time management, maintaining employment, budgeting, creating a safe living environment, parenting, health/disease management, and engaging in recreational activities.

Performs and adapts assessment tools for Veterans in their natural environment and at the medical center to determine the Veteran's level of functioning and abilities in respect to safe housing placement and maintaining permanent housing in the community.

Identifies the need for further in-depth specific assessments when necessary Participates in the development and formulation of veteran centered treatment plans, and the development of short and long- term therapy goals.

Formulates progressive treatment plans and goals and coordinates resources.

Provides follow up interventions to support Veterans' successful integration and success in permanent supported housing models.

The incumbent may identify and recommend technological devices and adaptive equipment that can eliminate barriers or compensate for deficits that may prevent a veteran's successful completion of their treatment plan.

Provides education to patients concerning the available resources and educational/leisure opportunities in their home community. Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.

Consults with various interdisciplinary treatment teams within Homeless Programs and the Mental Health Service Line.

Communicates Veterans' Occupational Therapy assessment/ and evaluation results, as well as treatment plans, goals and progress to interdisciplinary treatment team members individually and during clinical case conference.

Attends staff meetings, team meetings, and in-service training courses deemed necessary the Program Manager.

Attends training and educational activities to support the clinical competencies and role as member of the HUD/VASH Program, Communicates readily with the multidisciplinary treatment team, advising the team of patient's needs and progress, exchanging discharge planning information; this communication occurs through team meetings, ward rounds, written reports and informal communication, such as personal and telephone conversations.

Written communication is done in timely fashion.

Assists the clinical education coordinator in arranging and providing educational experiences for occupational therapy students that affiliate at the facility.

Must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license and ability to transport Veterans in GSA vehicle.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: May be authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized