Incumbent is responsible to function as a member of the Occupational Therapy (OT) department in the rehabilitation and extended care (REC) integrated care community (ICC), providing in-home therapy services to veterans enrolled in the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS). The primary purpose of the work is direct veteran care with the goal of maximizing the veteran's functional ability. Position is located in the SFVAHCS in the Home Health (HH) Department.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Demonstrates correct application of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current professional occupational therapy practice as evidenced by licensure. Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. Under supervision of a senior occupational therapist, utilizes 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 veterans, in a home setting. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. Ability to procure, fabricate, adjust, adapt and modify orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Participates in the performance improvement activities of the ICC. Under supervision of a senior occupational therapist, uses screening methods appropriate to the veteran's performance context and communicates screening results and recommendations to the appropriate personnel. Selects standardized testing and follows defined protocols when indicated. Develops and implements individualized occupational therapy treatment programs for veterans, in a home setting. Included in the intervention plan are veteran-centered goals that are clear, measurable, functional, contextually relevant and appropriate to the veteran's needs and expected outcomes. Develops and documents an intervention plan that is based on the results of the occupational therapy evaluation and the goals of the veteran. Develops appropriate home or community programming to maintain and enhance the performance of the veteran in their own environment. Conducts home visits to assess veteran's need for adaptive equipment, architectural barriers, and home modifications. Under supervision of a senior occupational therapist, informs veteran's and others regarding the relative benefits and risks of the intervention. Discontinues services when the veteran has achieved predetermined goals, has achieved maximum benefits from occupational therapy services, does not desire to continue services or upon failure to demonstrate continued progress toward goals. Prepares and implements a discharge plan that addresses follow-up resources and identifies change in status between initial evaluation and discharge. This may require provision of adapted equipment, environmental alterations and involvement with outside agencies and community resources. Works effectively with treatment team members including, veterans, family/significant others, and other health care providers in coordinating the veteran's total care. Ability to collaborate and communicate verbally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders to promote positive communication, collaboration and teamwork. Effectively communicates in the clinical medical record to promote positive communication, collaboration and teamwork. Under supervision of a senior occupational therapist, reviews Occupational Therapy consults to identify necessary elements and determine clinical appropriateness of referral for assessment and evaluation. Educates current and potential referral sources about the scope of occupational therapy services and the process of initiating occupational therapy services. Refers veterans to resources outside HH/REC through their medical provider when the needs of the veteran can best be served by the expertise of other professionals or services. Under supervision of a senior occupational therapist, develops and initiates new treatment programs which apply current research findings. Knowledgeable about research in the practitioner's area of practice. Applies timely research findings ethically and appropriately to evaluation and intervention processes and discusses applicable research findings with other OT personnel to assure high quality of care to veterans with single and multiple diagnoses. Demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform more complex veteran treatment procedures. Also includes the use of physical agent modalities. The incumbent will be required to travel for clinical duties and therefore will be permitted to use government transportation and travel will be on government time. The incumbent therefore is required to maintain a valid driver's license and not possess any major vehicle violations inhibiting the use of a government vehicle. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 08:00 to 16:30 Telework: Telework, if approved, will be on an Ad-Hoc basis only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. 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. 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. Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist.: OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed. OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed Grade Determinations: GS-9 Education, Experience, or Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements. (See basic requirements above) 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 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: Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12 Education, Experience, and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-12 grade level requires completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the applicant's resume must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. 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. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G14 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 the range of GS-9 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with 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.

Contacts

• Address Royal C Johnson Veterans Memorial Hospital 2501 West 22nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57105 US
• Name: Jason Arcand
• Phone: 612-629-7118
• Email: [email protected]