This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Specific duties include but are not limited to: Screening/triaging of OT consults as needed. Accepting and responding to OT consults in compliance with PM&RS and assigned program policies. Evaluating the Veteran's functional, physical, and / or psycho-social abilities while considering the patient's capacities, the activities, and the environments in which these activities occur. Reviewing pertinent patient data using the medical record and, as needed, remote data (e.g. VistaWeb, JLV and VHIE). Developing, implementing, and communicating the occupational therapy intervention plan based on the evaluation, patient goals, current best evidence and clinical reasoning. Identifying general contraindications to treatment. Accurately documenting OT services in the medical record within the timeframes, formats and standards established by the PM&RS, the assigned home-based program, and the Durham VA Healthcare System. Entering consults within the PM&RS Service (i.e., to Physical or Recreational Therapy) or to the Prosthetics service for rehabilitation equipment in accordance with competencies, PM&RS and Durham VAHCS policies. Identifying when patients have attained maximum benefit from occupational therapy services and terminating services as appropriate. Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings and effectively communicating the patient's response to care, occupational therapy recommendations and appropriate follow-up patient needs. Participating in the clinical education of OT and OTA students including supervision of level I and/or II fieldwork and completion of fieldwork evaluation forms. Supervising individuals who are volunteering in an official capacity through the Volunteer Service. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:45 am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Caronda Slocum ([email protected]), the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. 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: 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. 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. 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). GS-12 Grade Determinations: Experience: Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and demonstrate the following KSA's below: (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 clinical setting References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G14 Occupational Therapist Qualification Standards GS-0631 dated 12/13/2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 / Employee will need to sit at a computer to complete notes and other documents related to patient care. Employee will need to be able to stand, sit, bend knees, and push with arms and legs to provide therapy, and retrieve and work with equipment and supplies related to treatment.

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 Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 US
• Name: Natasha Bridge
• Phone: 804-854-2579
• Email: [email protected]