The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. The OTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by an occupational therapist.

Duties

The Occupational Therapy Assistant contributes to the screening, evaluation, and re-evaluation process by administering delegated assessments and reporting observations and client performance to the OT. Clinical guidance/supervision is congruent with the OT As scope of practice relating to their licensure. Additional duties may include clinical training of occupational therapy assistant students, high school health occupations students, and completion of various administrative tasks within the department. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out throughout the medical center including various clinical, administrative and patient care areas associated with OH&RMS. Duties will include, but are not limited to: Receives and interprets requests or instructions for occupational therapy procedures. Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information to assist with patient management under supervision of an occupational therapist. Applies occupational therapy procedures and treatment programs to patients under the general supervision of an occupational therapist, seeks guidance for more complex clients' and specialized treatment procedures. Secures the confidence and cooperation of veterans during treatment. Interacts with the patient and family to explain therapy procedures, discuss treatment plans and motivate veterans and family members to comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. May oversee and assist lower graded assistants. Assists with or independently renders specialized occupational therapy treatments and procedures based on the assessed needs of the patient. Monitors and records veteran's condition during treatment. Takes appropriate measures to sustain patient's condition during treatment and takes appropriate action when deviations in veteran's condition are recognized. Records veteran's response to treatment and ensures that this is made part of the permanent medical record. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, as needed. Assists with the screening, evaluation and re-evaluation process by implementing specifically delegated assessments for which competency has been established and by providing verbal or written reports of observations and client capacities to the Occupational Therapist. Adapts and adjusts occupational therapy procedures as needed. Assists occupational therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals. Independently modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches with prior approval of the therapist. Makes modifications within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran and sociocultural context. Modifies intervention environment, tools, materials, and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment. Adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs. Coordinates appointments between patient and MSA through both telephone and in-­person contact. The incumbent will follow agreed upon frequency and duration, and assist patients with scheduling preferences. The incumbent is responsible for the accurate and timely notification to MSA regarding rescheduling of cancelled appointments, appointments due to clinic cancellations, to ensure all affected patients are notified in timely manner according to Medical Center Policy. Participates in OT department and PM&R service program development and quality improvement projects to include but not limited to peer reviews, committee membership and process improvement projects. Assists with education of the medical center staff about the role of Occupational Therapy and services available for veterans. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Ad Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Basic Education: (1) Associate's [or higher] degree in occupational therapy from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). OR (2) Completion of a military training program in an OTA program accredited by the ACOTE. Certification: OTAs must have written documentation that they have passed the entry-level certification examination for OTAs administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Licensure: OTAs must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e. Puerto Rico) or in the District of Columbia. Exceptions for Non-Certified or Non-Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. (1) OTAs who graduated from an ACOTE approved occupational therapy assistant program but do not possess the NBCOT certification and/or licensure requirements, may be appointed, pending licensure and/or NBCOT certification, on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). (2) OTAs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure and/or certification are obtained. (3) OTAs may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OTA or OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (4) Temporary OTA appointments may not be extended beyond two years. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Technologists (MTs) must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 Part II chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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). Preferred Experience: Experience with manual and powerchair fitting and training. Experience with telehealth for occupational therapy appointments. Knowledge in treatment of persistent pain utilizing a biopsychosocial approach. Experience working with upper extremity prosthetics and orthotics. Experience working in an acute care, outpatient and long term care setting. Grade Determinations: GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: None. Assignments: Employees at this grade level serve in an OTA entry level developmental position under direct clinical direction and partnership of an OT. The treating OT is available on a regularly scheduled basis to review the practice of the OTA and support the OTA in the performance of his/her services. OTAs perform preliminary chart review including medical history and looking for contraindications for treatment. They provide functional and purposeful intervention 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. OTAs recommend treatment changes based on changes in physical, mental, and/or medical status of the patient. They follow guidelines from the AOTA, The Joint Commission (TJC) and current VHA policy and protocols as instructed by supervisor. GS-06 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practice. (b) Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication. (c) Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. (d) Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. (e) Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives. (f) Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory. Assignments: Employees at this grade level serve in an OTA [developmental] position. OTAs receive ongoing guidance from more experienced staff members and require clinical direction by the treating OT. They complete a preliminary review/examination of patient data to select, adapt and implement basic intervention plans for the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of non-complex diagnoses. OTAs recommend changes in treatment based on changes in physical, mental and/or medical status of the patient. They prepare and present written and oral patient care reports. OTAs perform non-direct patient care tasks including, but not limited to, coordinating schedules with team members and monitoring inventory of clinical supplies. They actively participate in patient/family meetings to identify patient's needs, report on patient goals and progress. OTAs communicate patient progress and any additional patient needs/treatment modifications to the OT. OTAs may provide clinical supervision (Note, this does not constitute supervisory control) to OTA students that will include promoting clinical reasoning and reflective practice, as well as ethical practice and professional competency development. GS-07 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in promoting occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas. (b) Ability to perform in depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans. (c) Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients. (d) Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual. Assignments: Employees at this grade level serve in an OTA [developmental] position. OTAs receive guidance from more experienced staff members and/or treating OT, for patients with comorbidities and/or requiring complicated interventions. They grade and adapt treatment interventions to maximize patient's functional status. OTAs provide education regarding ways to structure activities and areas of occupation for patients to family members, other care professionals and program staff. They interact with patient and family to explain therapy procedures and discuss treatment plans to comply with indicated regimens and post discharge activities. OTAs may provide clinical supervision (Note, this does not constitute supervisory control) to OTA students and other healthcare practitioners. This will include promoting clinical reasoning and reflective practice, as well as ethical practice and professional competency development. They provide department in-service training and provide caregiver and home management training to patients and families. OTAs assist in the orientation of, and may function as a preceptor to, employees and students new to the unit as assigned and promotes occupational therapy within the facility. GS-08 Grade Level Experience and KSAs and Assignments continued in Education Section below. References continued in Education Section below. Physical Requirements continued in Education below. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Failure to submit the required transcript may result in non-referral of your application if we cannot confirm your education is accredited.

The Associate's degree or higher degree in occupational therapy from a college or university must be fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from https://acoteonline.org/schools/.

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 https://acoteonline.org/schools/, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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

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.

GS-08 (Continued from Qualifications section):
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to implement delegated assessments.
(b) Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance.
(c) Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status.
(d) Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
(e) Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment.
(f) Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the occupational therapy scope of practice and services.
Assignments: Employees at this grade level serve as a full performance level OTA. OTAs at this level receive minimum guidance from the OT and seek guidance for more complex patients and specialized treatment procedures. They contribute to the screening, evaluation and re-evaluation process by administering delegated assessments and reporting observations and patient performance to the OT. OTAs plan, coordinate and administer occupational therapy treatment for prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of diverse diagnoses in all practice areas to both individuals and groups as well as develop and implement new programs. They recommend and modify assistive devices and instruct patients on their care and use to ensure optimal performance. OTAs independently provide patient education on areas of occupation, assistive devices and orthotics based on patient's and families' level of cognition, cultural and/or behavioral variables. OTAs collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient's rehabilitation, reintegration and disposition needs. They develop, participate in and ensure compliance with quality improvement activities through participation in medical center/section committees as delegated.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]