Occupational Therapist

Summary

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides assessment and treatment that promotes the prevention - remediation - and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical - occupational and psychosocial dysfunction. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is October 30 - 2026.

Additional applications will be referred as needed. (NOTE: Applications expire after 90 days. Please update application thru USAJobs if you wish to be reconsidered.)

Qualifications

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

(1) The individual 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

(2) 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 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

(1) 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)

(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

(3) A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements

(4) Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years - or converted to a new temporary appointment

English Language

Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.

7403(f)

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

Occupational Therapist - GS-9 Education - Experience - or Licensure

None beyond the basic requirements

Occupational Therapist - GS-11 Education - Experience - or Licensure

(a) Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled

or (b) Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field

or (c) Doctorate in occupational therapy

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

Occupational Therapist - 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: (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

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

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 in the range of GS-9 to GS-12

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

Duties

Receives and interprets requests or instructions for occupational therapy procedures

Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants or technicians to accommodate requests

Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history) - compiles and organizes pertinent information relative to the occupational therapy care to be rendered

Knowledge of advanced occupational therapy techniques to perform functions associated within the occupational therapy scope of practice - including assessment and treatment techniques for occupational - cognitive and psychological functional deficits

Ability to adapt and modify assessment tools and treatments to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities for a variety of general medical - surgical - orthopedic - neurological and psychiatric patients with complex medical conditions

Demonstrate the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques

Complete assessments and implement treatment plans including caregiver and staff education regarding positioning - proper seating and use and safety with wheeled mobility devices

Independently solving complex clinical problems

Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities

Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment

Assists patients and significant others in utilization of VA and community resources for transition back into the community - including knowledge of Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Grant

Supervise the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant to ensure initiation and compliance of established treatment plan and goals

Supports the occupational safety - health and fire safety program of the health care system by applying approved regulations - practices and work methods

Performs other related duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m

• 4:00 p.m

or 8:00 a.m

• 4:30 p.m

Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual/remote position

Functional Statement #: 56764-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Preferred Experience: Previous or current experience with assessment and treatment in an outpatient setting

Ability to assess and treat patients with chronic pain using a biopsychosocial approach

Familiarity with providing Occupational therapy assessment and follow up using virtual care options including telephone or video platforms

Previous or current experience with assessment and treatment in a long-term care or skilled nursing facility

Previous or current experience working with patient's in a home setting or completion of home safety assessments

Previous or current experience with assessment and treatment in an acute care setting - including post op orthopedic patients

Basic experience and knowledge with seating system fitting and training including manual and power options.