The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Service, is currently recruiting for one (1) Occupational Therapy Assistant in Oklahoma City, OK.

Duties

This position is located in the Occupational Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) in the Oklahoma VA Medical Center. 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. The incumbent will carry out a general treatment plan with direct involvement of an occupational therapist. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out throughout the medical center including various clinical, administrative, and patient care areas associated with PM&RS. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Receives/Interprets Therapy Requests 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, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patient's status and ascertaining patient's need for therapy services. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies occupational therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of an occupational therapist. Procedures require close consultation with a therapist or physician. Secures Patient Confidence/Cooperation Secures the confidence and cooperation of veterans during treatment. Interacts with the patient and family to explain therapy procedures, discuss treatment plans and motivates veterans and family members to comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. Assists With or Renders Treatment Based on Patient Needs Renders basic occupational therapy treatment and procedures based on the assessed needs of the patient. Assists with specialized occupational therapy treatments and procedures as directed by the occupational therapist. Monitors and records veteran's condition during treatment. Utilizes standardized assessment tools relevant to the area of practice. 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 work safe environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Adapts and Adjusts Procedures Screens, advises, and assists veterans through the occupational therapy regimen. Through general supervision of the Occupational Therapist, adapts and adjusts occupational therapy procedures as needed. Demonstrates the ability to utilize activity analysis and theory to develop recommendations to the occupational therapist. Assists therapist in development of a treatment plan that includes long and short term goals. Makes modifications to the intervention environment, tools, materials, and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 4:30p, some weekends. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 58400-A, 58401-A, 58402-A, 58403-A Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Education. Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: 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). 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. 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). OTAs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure and/or certification are obtained. OTAs may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OTA or OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary OTA appointments may not be extended beyond two years. English Language Proficiency. OTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Occupational Therapy Assistant, GS-05 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. None. Occupational Therapy Assistant, 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: Knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practice. Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education. Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives. Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory. Occupational Therapy Assistant, 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: Skill in promoting occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas Ability to perform in depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans. Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients. Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual. Occupational Therapy Assistant, GS-08 Experience. One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to implement delegated assessments. Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance. Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status. Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities. Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment. Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the occupational therapy scope of practice and services. Preferred Experience: Two years of practice experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/145 PART II APPENDIX G22 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. Physical Requirements: The OKC VA Medical Center has a no-lift policy. Utilization of lifts is required for lifting greater than 35 pounds. Frequent lifting up to 35 pounds with frequent bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and overhead reaching getting up and down from the floor may be required during the performance of this position.

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 Oklahoma City VA Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US
• Name: Travis Green
• Phone: 303-202-8679
• Email: [email protected]