This assignment carries primary responsibility for providing in-home occupational therapy assessments, and the planning, and administration and management of rehabilitation in the home for patients of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG VHS) Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program . Additional responsibilities, as HBPC duties allow, may include in-home assessments of profoundly disabled patients of NF/SG VHS who are not enrolled in HBPC.

Duties

The Occupational Therapist (OT), Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) position is aligned within the Home Care Section of Geriatrics & Extended Care (GEC) Service, under the supervision of the Home Care Supervisory Rehabilitation Therapist. This position exists at the Gainesville, Ocala, St. Augustine, St. Mary's, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Lake City offices of HBPC, and involves regular travel to patients' homes within approximately 75 miles of these offices, occasionally further. Occupational Therapists at the GS-09 level serve in an entry-level career development position, progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wider range of human function systems. Occupational Therapists at this level have a basic foundation of OT but require supervision, direction and guidance from more experienced therapists. Occupational Therapists at the GS-11 level are registered/licensed who serve in an career development position, progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wider range of human function systems. OTs at this level have a basic foundation of OT but require periodic direction and guidance from more experienced therapists. Occupational Therapists at the GS-12 level are registered/licensed who demonstrate a high degree of independence and professional judgement in establishing treatment plans to meet complex objectives for veterans with a wide range of disease entities. The individual exercises originality in solving problems not covered by this guide, makes innovative adaptations of the Veteran's clinical needs and performs complex occupational therapy evaluation/treatment for Veterans. The HBPC Occupational Therapist supports the facility's mission and coordinates care with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community. The OT will provide these in-home services to patients with a wide variety of multiple. complex chronic illnesses and/or profound disabilities. Assessment and treatment of patients and training of students and various disciplines is independently conducted by the incumbent who exercises professional judgment regarding each patient. Decisions are made in the community without onsite supervision of another health care professional. It is necessary that the incumbent have a working knowledge of the applications of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy, in order to ensure appropriate rehabilitative assessments, treatment and management, whether directly or by referral to a community therapist. Duties may include but are not limited to: Develops, implements and evaluates therapeutic rehabilitation needs within the framework of Home Based Primary Care. Assesses the goals, living skills, physical abilities and related needs for clientele referred to Home Based Primary Care. Develops a treatment plan directed toward achieving maximum level of function within the home, consulting with other disciplines as indicated and developing the plan in collaboration with the patient and caregiver. Implements the OT treatment plan by providing direct patient care as needed; procuring necessary equipment/adaptive devices; training the patient and caregiver concerning exercises, activities of daily living, and equipment/adaptive devices, and recommending community referrals. Reassesses client's level of functioning and home environment, revising the treatment plan as indicated and terminating treatment when objectives are met and/or the patient has achieved maximum benefit from treatment. Evaluates the need for additional services and uses professional judgment to initiate consultation with other professionals to provide such services. Evaluates for in-home needs to promote the patient's safety and independence. Assists patients/caregivers in applying for HISA grants. Serves as content expert in ordering complex and specialized equipment and possess proficiency in processing orders through Prosthetics Service Provides care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Identifies patient and caregiver learning needs and provides and documents patient and caregiver education. Documents assessments, treatment plans, services and education provided and response to services and education according to Medical Center policy, HBPC, procedures and Joint Commission standards. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm -OR- 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Available per Agency policy and Service approval on an Ad hoc basis. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD52134F, PD52135F, and PD52136F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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: 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 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education-(Transcripts Submitted) and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: 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- 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- Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy PLEASE NOTE: 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-Submitted. Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an OT. State Licensure-Submitted. 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. English Language Proficiency. Occupational Therapists must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). EXCEPTIONS FOR THE GRADUATE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST: OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum 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 (2) years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. S 7405(c)(2). Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade leveland may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grade levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed. A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two (2) years nor converted to a new temporary appointment. In all cases, graduate OTs must actively pursue obtaining required credentials (i.e., NBCOT certification and/or state licensure) from the date of their appointment. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment. GRADE REQUIREMENTS In addition to the Basic Requirements provided in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14, paragraph 4, of the Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard GS-0631 Veterans Health Administration, the following are the grade requirements. Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist at the GS-9 level GS-9 Experience, Education, or Licensure: No post-educational experience, education, or licensure is required at the GS-9 level beyond the Basic Requirements. Assignment. See the referenced Qualification Standard for additional information. Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist at the GS-11 level GS-11 Experience, Education, AND Licensure: In addition to the Basic Requirements, an Occupational Therapist at the GS-11 level MUST be certified AND licensed, AND meet one (1) of the following GS-11 Grade Requirements: Completed a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; -OR- Completed three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field;-OR- Possess a 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 mentoring 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. Assignment. See the referenced Qualification Standard for additional information. Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist at the GS-12 level: GS-12 Experience, Education, AND Licensure: In addition to the Basic Requirements, an Occupational Therapist at the full performance GS-12 level MUST be certified, licensed, AND possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level directly related to the position being filled. 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 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. Assignment. See the referenced Qualification Standard for additional information. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G14 Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard - December 13, 2019. Preferred Experience: Experience that demonstrates possession of advanced practice skills & judgment, with at least two years in an area of specialized practice. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. See "Additional Information" for Physical Requirements.

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 Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1601 Southwest Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 US
• Name: Diana Dieringer
• Phone: 727-398-6661 X64162
• Email: [email protected]