Occupational Therapist (Homeless Program)

Full Job Description

The incumbent is a licensed OT on a multi-disciplinary HCHV team focusing on homeless veterans in Supportive Housing Programs, VA Contract Shelters, and VA Grant Funded Transitional Housing Programs.

The OT addresses daily living activities and complex skills needed for veterans to obtain and maintain housing, with evaluations occurring in the veteran's natural environment and at the medical center.

They may also provide coverage in outpatient/inpatient settings depending on patient care demand.

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).] Education and/ or Experience: Individuals 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. 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. Foreign Graduates.

Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix.

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.

Loss of Credential.

An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain [the required state or territorial licensure and the NBCOT certification, both current and in good standing,] must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

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: GS-12 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (1) 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.

(2) Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): (a) 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.

(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: 1-2 years of Homecare experience or working with unhoused individuals.

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 and carrying (45+ lbs); Moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.); straight pulling (<1 hour); pushing (<1 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (2 hours); standing (3 hours); kneeling (<1 hour).

This position will involve operating a motor vehicle (with a valid driver's license), intermittent walking, intermittent stair climbing, and light carrying under 15 pounds while working at the Medical Center, and out in the community.

The ability to hear and communicate verbally with Veterans is essential. Work will take place indoors and outdoors. The work involves working closely with others. Major Duties:

Major Duties to include but not limited to: Clinical 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 and the development of appropriate life skills and maintenance of quality of life.

Provides assessment to evaluate the veteran's ability to live independently and meet basic needs in independent housing.

Patient-Family Counseling And Education - Supervises the organization and implementation of an Occupational Therapy group for the purpose of improving skills related to independent living; Skills to Assess / Address / and Develop: a.

Personal Self-Care: Causation, Cleanliness, Time Management, Confusion, Frustration, and Disorganization. b.

Task Function: Plan Personal Space, Organization of Living Environment, Follow Instruction to Completion and Attention to Detail and Neatness c.

Communication: Initiation of Contact, Response to Others, Conflict Resolution, Stress Reduction and Frustration Tolerance d.

Community (self/ work/ play): Cultural and Spiritual Environment, Activities of Interest, Utilization of Social Supports and Understand Physical and Emotional Needs.

Provide education to patients concerning the available resources in their home community, provides testing and assessments utilizing microcomputer or data communications equipment.

Educates family members in regard to the nature of the program and how they may actively participate in supporting their family member.

Relationships Interdisciplinary/Team Responsibilities: As a member of the inter-disciplinary HCHV TreatmentTeam, consultant to various interdisciplinary treatment teams within the Mental Health Service Line.a.

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.b.

Consults and establishes in-service programs for other VAAAHS disciplines and works cooperatively with them to provide comprehensive veteran care.c.

The Occupational Therapist is as a member of the HCHV Team and will be asked to provide or participate inpresentations to community groups and agencies that promote awareness of homelessness amongst veterans.

Records And Reports Documentation: Documents and records data in CPRS and HOMES; pertaining to demographics, psycho social history, treatment plans, individual and group treatment sessions, and interactions, initial notes, assessment findings, treatment plans, progress notes, incident reports, encounter forms, telephonic interactions, follow-up contacts.a.

All documentation will be entered into the veteran record within 3 calendar days of service.

All documentation will be entered in the Homeless Operations Management Evaluation within 24 hours of the date of service.

Provide oversight to Occupational Therapy Assistants and delegate patient care responsibilities to them. May also delegate non-patient care duties to a non-licensed staff.

Educational Responsibilities/Professional Development Attends training and educational activities to support the clinical competencies and role as member of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program and Mental Health Service Line.

Maintain licensing as an Occupational Therapist through continuing education and advanced learning requirements as ordered by the licensing body.

Student Training Program - Responsibility to the profession of Occupational Therapy and this health system and the Mental Health Service Line- Homeless Programs to serve as a clinical instructor for Occupational Therapy students and provide instruction and supervision to occupational therapy, psychology, and other students.

The Occupational Therapist serves as a resource to the community in matters relating to occupational therapy, the delivery of health care, and the needs of the veteran population.

Administrative Incumbent prepares productivity and service reports as required by the Service/Section.

Maintains records of all services provided using CPT codes/event capture and current methodology to prepare reports as require by the Service.

Submits requests of supplies and equipment following service policies and procedures. Reports noted deficiencies in service delivery, safety and security. Contributes with ideas to improve operations.

Participates in information and outcomes management activities such as, but not limited to: surveys, performance improvement and strategic plan development.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; with occasional weekends and holidays. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 93953A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized