This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Develops appropriate home or community programming to maintain and enhance the performance of the patient in his/her own environment. Conducts home visits to assess patient's need for adaptive equipment, architectural barriers, and home modifications. Knowledge of contemporary OT across multiple areas of practice, and the demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge independently in patient's homes. Reads and interprets written prescriptions. Primary function is direct patient care, providing Occupational Therapy (OT) services to the Veterans receiving care at the Black Hills Health Care System and Rapid City Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Therapist independently evaluates, develops, and implements treatment programs for the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) population. Primary job duties will be providing in home OT services, using a government vehicle to travel to patient's homes. He/she is directly responsible to the supervisor of the OT department within the Rehabilitation & Extended Care (REC), and works collaboratively with HBPC staff and supervisor to address Veteran needs in the home. Performs home functional/safety assessments for both the HBPC and non-HBPC caseload. Develops and implements individualized OT treatment plan, focusing on mobility and safety in the person's daily activities. Independently evaluates mental, physical, and functional status in the areas of motor functions (MMT, ROM, dexterity, coordination), chronic pain, sensation, perception, cognition, psychosocial skills, home making skills, activities of daily living, pre-vocational skills, life skills, and splinting/adaptive equipment needs. The individual maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted OT practice, facility and Rehabilitation Department policies and procedures. The incumbent complies with established Joint Commission and other governing organizations identified by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and BHHCS. The incumbent demonstrates knowledge and ability to comply with all applicable regulations governing documentation, medical records, reimbursement, and workload statistics in accordance with established professional practice and VHA guidelines. The incumbent demonstrates the skill and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served (young adult through geriatric), including knowledge of growth and development, the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify patient needs, and to provide the care needed. The incumbent assists in the growth and development of the department and the profession through participation in performance improvement and educational activities. The incumbent demonstrates the ability to maintain established productivity and/or workload standards, as identified for their established work areas within the health care system. The incumbent projects a positive, professional, and cooperative image while treating customers (staff, patients, and the general public) with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Provides prompt and thorough service based on the customer's needs. Organizes and prioritizes care, considering the patient's unique needs, preferences, and resources. Effectively communicates, both orally and in writing, with patients, family/caregivers, and co-workers, including the development of patient/family educational handouts. Completes appointments in an organized, timely manner. Initiates/participates in patient/family/caregiver teaching. Initiates/coordinates available resources within and outside the hospital to facilitate continuity of care. Utilizes equipment appropriately, always ensuring safe operation. Thoroughly comprehends all processes for evaluation of, ordering, delivering, and follow up for appropriate installation and training of durable medical equipment. Durable Medical Equipment to be assessed and followed up on in the home includes, but is not limited to, patient lifts, wheelchairs, specialty beds, & bathroom equipment. Working with local vendors collaboratively in the home to assess and measure for appropriate DME is essential. Perform set-up and pre-cleaning for all reusable medical equipment before being sent for re-processing. Responds appropriately to emergency situations; demonstrates compliance with fire, disaster, and infection control policies. Participates in developing departmental protocols, policies, and teaching materials. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, Part Time Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

Preferred Experience: Home Health experience, previous experience working with Geriatric patients 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: (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. 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. English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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; or 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: Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. 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. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G14 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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Black Hills Health Care System 113 Comanche Road Fort Meade, SD 57741 US
• Name: Megan Noe
• Phone: (724) 285-2259
• Email: [email protected]