The Occupational Therapist- clinical specialist functions in the role of an independent clinician while serving as an integral member of the Home-Based Primary Care Program Team. This health care professional is responsible for evaluating referred patients and independently establishing and executing treatment plans that include a full range of complex treatment procedures and modalities.

Duties

DUTIES: The HBPC Occupational Therapist specialist provides in home evaluation for poly-trauma patients with traumatic brain injury, CVA, spinal cord injury, amputations, cardiopulmonary, circulatory and orthopedic disorders, autoimmune disorders, cognitive impairments including dementia and Alzheimer's Disease and any other diagnosis that requires rehabilitation assessment. The incumbent completes Functional Independent Measure (FIM) and/or other measurement scales, determines appropriate durable medical equipment and recommends appropriate interventions to improve patients' functional abilities. The incumbent designs treatment plans to restore individual patients to their highest possible functional level and to enhance their adaptive capacities through the use of physical measures, activities, prostheses, or assistive devices. The incumbent provides occupational therapy consultation and instructions to patients, families and caregivers; as well as clinical education/consultation regarding occupational therapy, Prosthetics and HISA programs including home safety assessments and teaching.. The Occupational Therapist serving in the Home -Based Primary Care Program (HBPC) delivers skilled care in a completely independent fashion within a extremely complex work environment of patient residences within a one hour radius of the Medical Center or the CBOC Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: ADHOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Nicholas Camilletti, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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.

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 or Experience: 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: must possess a current NBCOT certification 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. 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: Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least 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. OTs at this level may be given assignments in any area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time. Preferred Experience: Home Care or Rehabilitation experience preferred not required. And the ability to complete home safety assessments. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G14 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 12 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Salem VA Medical Center 1970 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, VA 24153 US
• Name: Kera Madden
• Phone: 540-982-2463 X2770
• Email: [email protected]