The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides direct patient care to referred veterans in all Occupational Therapy Clinics and/or settings at this medical center which include: CBOC's, Acute Care, Intermediate Care, Extended Care, Acute and Chronic Psychiatry, Gero-psychiatry, Outpatient clinics and Employees.

Duties

Assigned Duties include but are not limited to: Independently reviews and interprets consults for accurateness and appropriateness of orders and contacts physicians or designee for clarification when needed. Develops, implements and modifies a complex individualized OT plan of care for a wide variety of medical and surgical problems using standardized and specialized methods of assess functional deficits. Elicits patient participation and independently employs a variety of motivational techniques to ensure patient or group participation in OT treatment program where objectives are difficult to achieve due to severity or complexity of disabilities. Independently uses critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to solve complex problems related to OT. Directs and provides guidance to OT assistant(s) in proper application of OT methods and techniques when assigned. Consistently coordinates and maintains a balanced workload and meets productive workload criteria by efficiently and effectively scheduling patients. Independently plans, coordinates, and communicates effectively with treatment team members and other health care professionals team members in coordinating patient's total care. Documents in writing patient's initial, interim, and discharge progress notes in a timely manner and adheres to documentation standards as directed by supervisor. Fabricates and modifies splints, procures orthotic devices, and assistive/adaptive equipment for ADLs. Maintains clinic cleanliness and equipment maintenance as outlined by supervisory staff, JACHO guidelines, station policy and infection control staff members. Utilizes appropriate level of language by using clear, simple terms and expressions involving family/significant others in the plan of care. Collaborates with the Prosthetics services related to specialized equipment consults and follows through appropriately. May participate in formal and informal research projects following permission from OT supervisor or acting designee. Performs other duties assigned by Supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm (subject to change based on the needs of the agency). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:520-00135F 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 only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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 fie 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 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 English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) 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: Occupational Therapist, GS-9 (1) Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements Occupational Therapist, 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. 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 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. 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 Preferred Experience: Outpatient occupational therapy clinic experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/12 PART I APPENDIX G1 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-09 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Work includes regular and demanding physical exertion in standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, gripping, and walking. Moderate to heavy lifting is required to assist patients and operate equipment. Sitting is required in meetings and for conducting administrative work. Above average agility may be desirable in defending oneself (or others) against physical attack/abuse. Work requires physical health, normal use of arms and legs, and good visual and auditory acuity. Incumbent must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Biloxi VA Medical Center 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi, MS 39531 US
• Name: Keewanda Smith
• Phone: (228) 523-8415
• Email: [email protected]