The incumbent serves as the Supervisory Occupational Therapist, who is responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of Occupational Therapist Assistants (CIH Providers), for the purpose of promoting, restoring, and preserving health and well-being of Veterans at the VA Medical Center, and supporting additional occupational based activities, using complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches. Examples include, but are not limited to, yoga and meditation.

Duties

Supervisory Occupational Therapist duties include, but are not limited to: Providing direction and supervision in the development of plans, schedules, trainings set up, and setting and equipment to support scheduled events and activities of leisure activities for Veterans, including but not limited to sports and games, art, crafts, music, drama, horticulture, pets, trips, special events, social programs, entertainment, intergenerational activities, holiday parties, cards and board games, tournaments, etc. This may include evening and weekend activities. The incumbent is responsible for assisting the Whole Health Program Manager in developing and expand in integrative health services within VACHS, including but not limited to mindful movement practices such as Yoga and Tai Chi, bio feedback, mindfulness classes, meditation practices, Veteran engagement, acupuncture, and health education groups. The incumbent assists the Whole Health Program Manager in implantation of Wellbeing Program using Whole Heath designation Framework as guidance and consultation with WH Program Manger and Whole Health Steering Committee for approval. The incumbent oversees the scheduling of referred Veterans and service provision of integrative health interventions. In addition, maintenance of all integrative health resources including books and equipment are under the purview of the incumbent. The incumbent seeks to develop and maintain outstanding working relationships with staff in all PACT team members and other services throughout all VACHS facilities. Develops plans for training activities for Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation program. Collaborates in the selection and emphasizes program activities to be offered through available resources and desirable in terms of Veteran's needs. Organize activities not standardized or pre-structured. Cultivates a cooperative interrelationship between patients, family members, and VA medical center staff. Develops the delivery of well-being classes, either group or individual, for the purpose of promoting, preserving, or restoring health and well-being. Educates Veterans on the safe use of training equipment; ensures the safety of patients during all activities on and off station; uses good judgment and tact when confronted with problems arising between people in the community and any Veteran. Coordinates with other staff members concerning the use of the training facilities for activities and develops and maintains a calendar of programs and activities. Provides formal or informal input to the supervisor concerning pertinent topics to meet facility or patient needs. Develops marketing requests and advertising efforts for special events to encourage participation in training programs. Reports any medical or behavioral incidents to the Whole Health Program Director, and immediately informs supervisor of patients who express suicidal or homicidal thoughts or plans as well as acute deterioration in physical and/or behavioral function. Refers patients appropriately when mental or physical issues are out of the 'scope of practice' of the instructor following Medical Center procedures. Combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation appropriate for the level of the class. Provides accurate instruction in the areas of training provided such as various levels of stretching and relaxation. Collaborates in the preparation of class format and content appropriate for the type of class and level of participants. Monitors class participants to ensure proper use of equipment and postural alignment. Adapts training protocols to match patient ability and physical based on age specific. Records attendance at classes in medical records, noting any precautions or clinically relevant outcomes. Collaborates in training classes for well-being and maintenance of health. Directs meetings as necessary to report on progress and receive feedback on patients, programs and interventions. Participates in sessions to inform healthcare providers and patient groups about the benefits of trainings provided when appropriate. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, may include weekends & holidays, and may also be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on patient care needs. This will be determined and approved by the Supervisor. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Supervisory Occupational Therapist GS-0631-13

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States 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 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. Certification: Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. State Licensure: Candidate 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: Candidate must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Grade Determinations GS-13: Supervisory Occupational Therapist Education, Experience, and Licensure: Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality performance, and productivity within the service. Skill in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers to include conflict resolution. Ability to utilize evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools. Assignment: Supervisory OTs at this level are generally found at complex facilities. The supervisory occupational therapist is responsible for the supervision, administrative management and direction of the occupational therapy program in an OT section or equivalent work group. They have oversight for planning and directing the staff assignments in a variety of clinical settings. The supervisory OT provides a Veteran/client centered environment while enhancing staff engagement. Typical duties include: assigning work; monitoring clinical performance; resolving staff conflicts; identifying continuing education and training needs; and preparing performance standards and ratings. They interview candidates for positions; recommend appointments, advancements, or when appropriate, disciplinary actions; administer leave; and coordinate staffing needs. Supervisory OTs may provide occupational therapy and have capacity to care for more complex patients. They develop/initiate new treatment programs which integrate outcomes and advancements in practice from current research findings. The supervisory OT serves as an instructor in the facility's in-service clinical training program. They serve as an advocate and resource consultant to the therapy staff and facility-atlarge through communication with other departments, physicians, external agencies and other groups regarding programs and operation of the occupational therapy section. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G14 Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds or over); light carrying (under 15 pounds); straight pushing (.5 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (.5 hours); standing (.5 hours); crawling (.5 hours); kneeling (.5 hours); repeated bending (1 hour); climbing, legs only (.5 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; operation of crane, truck, tractor or motor vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement (corrective lenses okay); both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental and emotional stability.

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 San Juan VA Medical Center 10 Calle Casia San Juan, PR 00921 US
• Name: Manuel Colon
• Phone: 321-370-3040
• Email: [email protected]