As independent practitioners, licensed occupational therapists embrace evidenced based practices standards in diagnosis, examination, management, intervention, treatment and outcome measurement. Licensed occupational therapist collaborates across the continuum of care. They ensure that services are coordinated, including ordering studies of value and being consumer centered by referring, co-managing, engaging consultants, and independently supervising care.

Duties

Independently evaluates all HBPC patients referred to Occupational Therapy and implements appropriate treatment regimens within the framework of HBPC and Stroke and Rehabilitative Service. Independently uses standard and nonstandard methods for evaluating issues in the home environment to identify potential problems and a baseline level of function. Independently develops and executes appropriate treatment plans and goals, including rehabilitative, restorative and maintenance interventions to increase patient safety and level of independence. Independently performs a full range of OT treatment procedures, with reassessment and modification of the treatment according to the patient's response to OT interventions and pre-existing medical conditions. Determines appropriate home modifications needed to increase patient safety and level of independence. Performs a full range of OT treatment modalities in patients' homes such as but not limited to: therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, analysis of activities of daily living (ADL) with functional activity training, rehabilitation techniques, use of equipment/adaptive devices. Initiates the treatment plan by: providing direct patient therapy care in the home up to three times a week as ordered by a physician and procuring necessary equipment/adaptive devices; instructing and training the client and caregiver concerning exercises, activities of daily living, rehabilitation techniques, and equipment/adaptive devices; and recommendation of community referrals. Independently solves problems relating to rehab therapy, adapting and modifying treatment plans according to the patient's response to OT intervention and pre-existing medical conditions. Participate in HPBC interdisciplinary team conferences and regularly presents patients to physicians and other HBPC team members with information regarding performance, current status, and continuing goals. Works effectively with treatment team members and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Regularly re-evaluates patients' treatment plan with modification of the treatment according to the patient's response to OT interventions and pre-existing medical conditions. Assesses need for and measures, fits and instructs patients/caregiver in the safe use of any issued adaptive equipment or assistive devices. Justifies special equipment requests. Monitors patient's tolerance for therapeutic procedures, including tolerance for prescribed adaptive equipment. Recognizes unanticipated rates of progress, significantly altered physical/mental status of patient or undesirable secondary effects of treatment. Documents these findings and outcomes while continuing to follow the OT goals and discharge plans of patient from OT service in HBPC when goals are met or as appropriate. OT will be re-consulted as needed while patient is still in the HBPC program. Evaluate the home for structural or positional changes in order to promote the patient's safety and independence. Changes may include recommendations for the installation of ramps, bars, widening of door frames, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for wheelchair accessibility, changes in furniture heights, adjustment of traffic patterns, and modification of wheelchairs. Work effectively with other healthcare providers, community resources, and veterans support systems. Electronically document veterans' goals, progress, discharge plans, interdisciplinary communications, and any other pertinent information necessary for successful treatment of the veteran. Acts as a resource for other members of the HBPC team on matters specific to occupational therapy. Adheres to medical center infection control policies and procedures Serve as content expert in ordering complex and specialized medical equipment. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. (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 education requirements if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license. 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) 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA [in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this] qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the [] grade held including positive education and [ ] licensure/certification/registration [that are part of the basic requirements of this occupation]. [] Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. (3) OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. 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-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. References: VA Handbook 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14, Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard, GS-0631, Veterans Health Administration, dated December 13, 2019., The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 11 to 12. Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, squatting, bending, sitting, and changing from one position to another frequently throughout the day. Requires good manual dexterity to manipulate patients and equipment. Ability to bend, lift, and assist with transfers. Must have adequate physical strength to assist with resistive activities.

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 Raymond G Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1501 San Pedro Drive, Southeast Albuquerque, NM 87108 US
• Name: Evelyn Gaynor
• Email: [email protected]