Occupational Therapist
Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Assess Veterans needs for personal care services, particularly Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), supervision, protection or instruction, working closely with the CSP Coordinator(s) and/or designee(s), to complete Veteran functional assessments and re assessments. Assists other program staff in providing clinical services, completing notes and gathering/monitoring data related to the day-to-day functioning and evaluation of the program. Conducts initial home assessments as part of the application or reassessment process for the PCAFC. Purpose of home visits is to assess for functional and mobility needs and safety as well as to assess need for personal care services using standardized assessments. Assists in the day-to-day operations of the CSP specific to area of assignment and ensures compliance and collaboration with local facility and VA Central Office CSP initiatives. Participates in face-to-face or virtual contact with caregiver and Veteran to assess function and need for personal care services and as needed, the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions. Utilizes and assists in maintaining a data monitoring system to measure the efficacy of the program and helps in collecting and analyzing local data for reports for:
local management, VISN CSP Leads, CEATs, the National CSP, Care Management and Social Work and Office of Patient Care Services. Evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program, processes and use of a standardized assessment instrument. Functions in support of caregivers, Veterans and family members throughout the facility and community. Complies with and supports any ongoing monitoring efforts of the standardized assessment instrument by VA Complies with requirements of extensive Talent Management System training, bi-annual re-training and any ongoing inter-rater reliability and/or peer reviews as determined by policy or national program office guidance. Knows and understands services and benefits available for caregivers from both federal, state and private sector resources and statutes, regulations and policies that govern the program. Stays abreast of current legislation directed at assisting caregivers to continue to provide caregiving in an environment that is safe for both themselves and the Veteran.Complies with Service Line documentation requirements, including standards for timely completion of notes, use of required documentation templates and risk assessment protocols. Adheres to all VAPSHCS and Service Line policies and practices for delivering clinical care, including but not limited to risk assessment and reduction practices for potentially dangerous behavior (suicide and violence), timeliness of care and access and professional conduct requirements. Maintains level of productivity and quality consistent with the complexity of assignment and Occupational Therapy, The Joint Commission and VA standards. Establishes and maintains ongoing education programs for caregivers, community agencies and staff to facilitate understanding of the CSP and the CSP interests. Serves on committees, work groups and task forces at facility, VISN and national level or in community which support caregiver issues and needs. Assists with coordination of events and programs for annual National Family Caregivers Month every November, CSP Summit and other CSP supported activities. Collaborates with and contributes knowledge to a community of practice with the CSP and profession. Maintains a knowledge base of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals, attending conferences, clinic seminars and teleconferences and through materials distributed via VA and private sector sources. Duties listed above are for GS-12 full performance level, GS-9 and GS-11 duties will differ in complexity and oversight. Work Schedule:
8AM - 4:
30PM, Monday - Friday Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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:
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; (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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; (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. Certification:
Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (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. Exceptions for the 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 under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). 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. 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-9:
Education, Experience, or Licensure:
None beyond the basic requirements. GS-11:
Education, Experience, or Licensure:
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; OR Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field;(TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) OR Doctorate in occupational therapy.(TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. (b) Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. (c) Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. (d) Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. (e) Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. (f) Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. (g) Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12:
Education, Experience, or 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:
(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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14, December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-12. Physical Requirements:
This position may require light carrying (under 15 lbs), reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, both hands, ability to see a computer screen, hearing (aid permitted). Work may involve working alone, or closely with others.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Assess Veterans needs for personal care services, particularly Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), supervision, protection or instruction, working closely with the CSP Coordinator(s) and/or designee(s), to complete Veteran functional assessments and re assessments. Assists other program staff in providing clinical services, completing notes and gathering/monitoring data related to the day-to-day functioning and evaluation of the program. Conducts initial home assessments as part of the application or reassessment process for the PCAFC. Purpose of home visits is to assess for functional and mobility needs and safety as well as to assess need for personal care services using standardized assessments. Assists in the day-to-day operations of the CSP specific to area of assignment and ensures compliance and collaboration with local facility and VA Central Office CSP initiatives. Participates in face-to-face or virtual contact with caregiver and Veteran to assess function and need for personal care services and as needed, the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions. Utilizes and assists in maintaining a data monitoring system to measure the efficacy of the program and helps in collecting and analyzing local data for reports for:
local management, VISN CSP Leads, CEATs, the National CSP, Care Management and Social Work and Office of Patient Care Services. Evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program, processes and use of a standardized assessment instrument. Functions in support of caregivers, Veterans and family members throughout the facility and community. Complies with and supports any ongoing monitoring efforts of the standardized assessment instrument by VA Complies with requirements of extensive Talent Management System training, bi-annual re-training and any ongoing inter-rater reliability and/or peer reviews as determined by policy or national program office guidance. Knows and understands services and benefits available for caregivers from both federal, state and private sector resources and statutes, regulations and policies that govern the program. Stays abreast of current legislation directed at assisting caregivers to continue to provide caregiving in an environment that is safe for both themselves and the Veteran.Complies with Service Line documentation requirements, including standards for timely completion of notes, use of required documentation templates and risk assessment protocols. Adheres to all VAPSHCS and Service Line policies and practices for delivering clinical care, including but not limited to risk assessment and reduction practices for potentially dangerous behavior (suicide and violence), timeliness of care and access and professional conduct requirements. Maintains level of productivity and quality consistent with the complexity of assignment and Occupational Therapy, The Joint Commission and VA standards. Establishes and maintains ongoing education programs for caregivers, community agencies and staff to facilitate understanding of the CSP and the CSP interests. Serves on committees, work groups and task forces at facility, VISN and national level or in community which support caregiver issues and needs. Assists with coordination of events and programs for annual National Family Caregivers Month every November, CSP Summit and other CSP supported activities. Collaborates with and contributes knowledge to a community of practice with the CSP and profession. Maintains a knowledge base of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals, attending conferences, clinic seminars and teleconferences and through materials distributed via VA and private sector sources. Duties listed above are for GS-12 full performance level, GS-9 and GS-11 duties will differ in complexity and oversight. Work Schedule:
8AM - 4:
30PM, Monday - Friday Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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:
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; (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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; (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. Certification:
Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (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. Exceptions for the 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 under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). 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. 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-9:
Education, Experience, or Licensure:
None beyond the basic requirements. GS-11:
Education, Experience, or Licensure:
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; OR Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field;(TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) OR Doctorate in occupational therapy.(TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. (b) Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. (c) Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. (d) Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. (e) Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. (f) Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. (g) Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12:
Education, Experience, or 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:
(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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14, December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-12. Physical Requirements:
This position may require light carrying (under 15 lbs), reaching above shoulders, use of fingers, both hands, ability to see a computer screen, hearing (aid permitted). Work may involve working alone, or closely with others.
- Department:
0631 Occupational Therapist - Salary Range:
$52,905 to $99,741 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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