This Occupational Therapist (Program Coordinator/Whole Health) position is a Full-Time position at 40 hours per week. This position falls under VISN 1, and is located at one of the following campuses: West Roxbury, MA; Bedford, MA; Brockton, MA; Jamaica Plains, MA; Manchester, NH; West Haven, CT; Northampton, MA; Providence, RI; Togus, ME; West Haven, CT; White River Junction, VT

Duties

The following are requirements for appointment as an occupational therapist (OT) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). These requirements apply to all OTs in the General Schedule (GS) GS-0631 series, including those assigned to VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, [readjustment counseling service/Vet centers], Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) offices, the VHA National Center for Organizational Development, and VHA Central Office. This work may include any one, or a combination of the following: providing professional clinical services, conducting research, carrying out education and training activities, clinical consultation, supervision, and administration. In performing these duties, OTs demonstrate professional knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies for the practice of occupational therapy. The duties include but are not limited to: Conducts projects and performs assignments as a Whole Health Network Coordinator for VISN 1. Establishes and chairs the VISN 1 Whole Health Committee. Assembles a diverse planning team of interdisciplinary health professionals and representatives from various services throughout the VISN. Conducts studies and special projects to implement Whole health programs and improve the efficiency of Whole Health care operations throughout the VISN. Creates VISN WHS implementation deployment strategy using VHA's WHS model. Conducts analyses of all aspects of current or projected Whole Health care programs throughout the VISN for effectiveness in achieving planned goals and objectives and meeting the needs of Veterans and general public. Collaborates and Builds Coalitions. Operates collaboratively and interdependently with all facility, VISN and VACO WH points of contact. Sponsors via regular participation in monthly national OPCC&CT Network Sponsors' calls which will include providing intermittent presentations/updates on local VISN accomplishments, issues, and VISN/facility best practices. Provides Patient Centered Care and WH Expertise and Consultation to VISN Executive leadership and facilities within the VISN structure. Conducts management surveys, audits, special projects, etc. and provides advisory services to operating or management officials. Reviews submissions from Medical Centers to Network office to assure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with VHA policies. Prepares analytical briefings and reports for Network management to use in the decision making process based on a wide variety of special studies, using Network financial and clinical data to do cost/benefit and program analysis. Provides Patient Centered and Whole Health Field Services: On-Site and Virtual. Maintains VISN Budget. Uses existing VHA OPCC & CT tools to help sites create budget projections for implementation of whole health at their sites and assists in tracking budget needs/growth over time. Develop and formulate budget requests for coming fiscal year. Promotes and Models Inclusion of the Voice of the Veteran and Staff in Decision-Making. Prepares Reports. Prepares and coordinates reports timely and serves as the point of contact for VISN strategies and initiatives within the assigned area. Analyzes and evaluates, on a quantitative and/or qualitative basis, the effectiveness of programs or operations in meeting established goals, measures, and objectives, and prepares program status reports for review at all levels. Data Management and Analysis. Maximizes use of existing data systems ensure they are supporting program efforts. Develops WH Education and Other Resources. Ensures educational materials are disseminated throughout the VISN. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Dietitians must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). Education: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements: 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 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 Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. 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. Grade Determinations GS-14 Program Coordinator: Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. GS-14 VISN program manager assignment OTs at this level serve as a VISN/national/regional program coordinator and manage all aspects of a program or service at the VISN, national and/or region level and are generally found at regional centers or assigned to the national program office and function with great autonomy. The program coordinator is knowledgeable about local, regional and national policies to ensure compliance. OTs in this assignment are responsible for strategic planning to ensure the provision of high quality services that meet the needs of the Veterans being served. OTs in this assignment are responsible for developing and implementing short and long term goals and objectives consistent with the program's strategic plan. They may supervise employees assigned to the program. The coordinator may be responsible for tracking and maintenance of program outcomes, providing information and pertinent data elements for continuous quality improvement and adherence to all applicable standards such as The Joint Commission, CARF or other pertinent stakeholders. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Ability to plan, evaluate and coordinate the wide ranging programmatic elements for services provided in concert with internal and external stake holders. (b) Ability to serve as a facilitator and/or negotiator in coordinating program initiatives among local, regional or national coordinators and interdisciplinary teams to improve quality of care for patients. (c) Ability to set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines and balance responsibilities and work with great autonomy. (d) Ability to articulate and communicate the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events and objectives; as well as provide direction on work methods, practices and procedures. (e) Knowledge of internal and external resources related to the program managed. References:VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/80, Part II, Appendix G-14 Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Must be in overall good health, able to sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time while working on a computer, engage in light to moderate physical activity which includes sitting, walking, bending, and carrying supplies.

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 VISN 1 VA New England Healthcare System 200 Springs Rd Bedford, MA 01730 US
• Name: Thomas Whiddon
• Email: [email protected]