The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The occupational therapist (OT) may be assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services to those patients consulted through a healthcare provider and/or self-referrals. In this position the OT demonstrates skills and knowledge in techniques for applying care primarily addressing Veterans with Mental Health disorders including but not limited to: In inpatient and outpatient settings.

Duties

The occupational therapist (OT) demonstrates their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions in multiple clinic areas within VHA that includes but not limited to: neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, hand, closed head injuries, SCI, Polytrauma, mental health and others. The OT, in this position, will develop and expand skills and knowledge in techniques for applying care targeting Mental Health disorders including but not limited to: (depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, etc.) in inpatient and outpatient settings. In this position, the OT has a basic foundation of OT and seeks guidance from more experienced therapists, however may also generally practice independently. The incumbent may be assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services to those patients consulted through a healthcare provider and/or self-referrals. Occupational therapists' practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. He/she provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity. The OT embraces evidenced based practice standards in diagnosis, examination, management, intervention, treatment and outcome measurement. Major Duties include but are not limited to: Veterans are scheduled for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates Veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members. Recognizes the appropriateness of treatment based on indications, precautions and contraindications (e.g. pharmacological) and uses professional judgement to initiate consultation to the appropriate provider. Evaluations reflect the complexity through Occupational profile and client history; Assessments of occupational performance; Clinical decision-making and development of a patient centered plan of care. This may include but is not limited to: establishment of rehabilitation diagnosis and prognosis, function, motor and sensory skills, psychosocial needs, activities of daily living, durable medical equipment, adaptive equipment, safety and prevention. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them are developed and implemented in the plan of care. Establishes a care plan and administers a treatment program with specific goals according to the Veteran's capacity and tolerance. Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals and timeliness for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or stakeholder input. Implements complex and innovative therapeutic techniques not limited to: Therapeutic media, lifestyle coping skills and modifications, complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), cognitive therapy and mobility training to maintain or achieve veteran's physical and/or emotional rehabilitation potential. 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. Pursues continuous quality improvement in the processes of patient care & inter/intra-service collaborations. Participates in Process Improvement activities related to Dallas, Mental Health, PM&R and VANTHCS. Demonstrates 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. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. with occasional Saturday hours. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 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. Education and/or Experience. (1) 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. (2) 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. c. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph 3b(2) if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph 3e 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. (1) 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). (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. (3) A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed] OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. (4) Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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: GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Occupational Therapist, GS-9 Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements Occupational Therapist, GS-11 (1) 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: (a) Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. (b) Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. (c) Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. (d) Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. (e) Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. (f) Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. (g) Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. Occupational Therapist, GS-12 (1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. (2) 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. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is post-graduate experience as a professional OT directly related to the duties to be performed. Creditable experience can be obtained through employment as an OT. This may be evidenced by one or both of the following: Active professional practice includes paid/non-paid employment as a professional OT, and as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Experience gained after graduation but prior to licensure/certification is creditable, provided the candidate was utilized as a graduate OT and subsequently passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification, and the required state regulatory requirements OR Completion of a post-graduate fellowship or a post-graduate residency program can be substituted for creditable experience on a year for year basis. Preferred Experience: Experience in mental health setting with direct patient care population Knowledge of and experience with substance abuse, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders Therapeutic experience with adult and older adult population Experience performing OT services in a therapeutic individual and group settings References: VA Handbook 5005/127 PART II APPENDIX G14 - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST 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 9, 11, or 12. Physical Requirements: SEE EDUCATION SECTION BELOW

Education

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting and carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting and carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling; Pushing; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (4 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending ( 6 hours); Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Simple Grasping; and Fine Manipulation-keyboarding.

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.

Accreditation Information; 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.

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

Contacts

• Address Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]