The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The occupational therapist (OT) at the full performance level may be assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services to those patients consulted through a healthcare provider and/or self-referrals. The Organizational Location of the Position is: Program VII, in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, VANTHCS, Tyler Outpatient Clinic.

Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until October 16, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 3, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 10/16/2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. Duties include but not limited to: Clinical Functions: Clinical Functions: Performs occupational therapy evaluations and plan of care for the restoration of function, improvement of quality of life, and independence. This may include but is not limited to: motor and sensory skills, psychosocial needs, activities of daily living, durable medical equipment, adaptive equipment, safety and prevention. Develops and implements comprehensive therapeutic programs and techniques which may include, but are not limited to: ADLs, IADL's, pain management, joint protection, Kineseotaping, manual therapy (joint mobilizations, MFR, massage, etc.), neuromuscular facilitation, modalities, strength/endurance training, energy conservation, sensory/perception deficits, cognitive impairments and patient/family education, to meet the Veteran rehabilitation objectives. Demonstrates knowledge, experience, and skills in the prescription, fitting, and training in the use of specialty equipment. This may include orthotics, static and dynamic (custom and/or prefabricated), assistive technology, wheelchair mobility, lifts and lift systems, devices for activities of daily living, modalities (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc.), and other devices. Interpret relevant evidence-based methods and appropriate functional tests and measurements. Demonstrates professional use and knowledge in using Telerehab as an effective means to providing treatment when appropriate for patients' needs, resources and abilities. Utilize critical analysis, clinical reasoning and creativity to solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying patient treatment plans, activities and procedures to meet the needs of patients. Administrative functions include: Understands and adheres to VHA, VANTHCS, and PM&R policies and procedures. Ensures patient privacy and confidentiality by following established policies and procedures (Privacy Act, Release of Information, HIPPA, etc.). Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with patients and members of the organization. Demonstrates courtesy and positive approach to communication and interaction with other employees, supervisor, Veterans, visitors, physicians, and internal/external stakeholders. Ensures a safe, clean and well-organized work environment which may include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, organizing clinic spaces etc. Provides relief coverage, as needed, in any PM&R program in the event of shortage of staff to maintain the continuum of patient care. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. PRN weekend coverage as needed. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentive: May be 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (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: (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. Accreditation: 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 above 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. 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). Grade Determinations: 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, an example of the GS-09 experience include: Progressively expanding ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wide range of human function systems; 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. Examples of the GS-11 experience includes: Practice independently and responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools; Modifies standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools; Select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, leisure, and social participation; demonstrate an 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. 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. Preferred Experience: At least one year of experience in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic setting Experience in general and complex evaluations with skills/knowledge to establish treatment plans for multiple diagnosis (neuro, ortho, pain management, hand therapy, pre/post-surgical care, etc.) Experience performing evaluations and fittings for manual and power wheelchairs References: VA Handbook 5005/127 PART II APPENDIX G14, Dated 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 GS-12. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting and carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting and carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling; Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (4 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending ( 6 hours); Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Simple Grasping; and Fine Manipulation-keyboarding

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.

Note: The Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or higher degree must be fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from: School Directory - ACOTE (acoteonline.org)

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) at the time of graduation, but is no longer listed on the: Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) website: School Directory - ACOTE (acoteonline.org), you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]