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

Duties

The incumbent functions as an Occupational Therapist, Clinical Specialist as a Certified Hand Therapist for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) of the VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS). The position requires a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) who works independently with general guidance from the OT Supervisor. Direct clinical experience in the specialty area of hand and upper extremity therapy in the past two to five years is required. The primary function of this position is to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients referred to OT, particularly those with complex conditions as they relate to orthopedic diagnoses. The responsibilities of the hand specialist include but are not limited to: expert knowledge of the hand and upper quadrant of the body (as defined by the hand therapy association); ability to treat complex upper limb cases; knowledge and skill in advanced splinting techniques; acting as a resource to other professionals regrading hand therapy; providing in services and training to other professional staff regarding hand therapy and the upper quadrant. The incumbent works toward maximizing function in his/her specialty area. Incumbent demonstrates independence with ability to make autonomous clinical decisions, including the ability to independently evaluate and treat patients who seek occupational therapy services. This position to be housed out of the Jamaica Plain campus but will be required and expected to travel where staffing is needed at any of the three campuses needed within VA Boston Healthcare System (West Roxbury, Brockton and Lowell CBOC). Duties include but are not limited to: The incumbent conducts independent examination of patients by obtaining patient history, performing systems review and conducting appropriate tests and measures, Independent evaluation of the patient's functional abilities by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine occupational therapy needs. Primary evaluation instruments and/or procedures to include, but are not limited to cognitive assessments, goniometry, strength measurements, activities of daily living evaluations, work evaluations, pre driving evaluations, observation, interview and review of medical histories. Incumbent interprets data from history, systems review and examination, reviews applicable ancillary tests, and establishes a diagnosis and prognosis. Incumbent will refer patients to other health professionals for further examination, as appropriate, based on systems review and medical screening. Incumbent plans an effective and specialized treatment intervention approach that is appropriate and indicated for the patient's conditions, impairments, functional limitations and participation restrictions. In collaboration with patient and family/caregivers, the incumbent establishes short and long-term goals that are objective, measurable, and time limited. Incumbent implements the treatment program, modifying program as needed to achieve goals. This therapist works in collaboration with patient, family/caregivers, and other treatment team members to establish appropriate discharge plans. Develops and carries out a full range of occupational therapy treatment using a wide variety of standardized and evidence based treatment techniques and modalities. Incumbent has full understanding of all indications, precautions and contraindications for all interventions. Incumbent has understanding that patients often have multiple physical/medical and psychosocial deficits which necessitate adaptive treatment practices to meet specific and unique patient needs. Work Schedule: Full time, 40 hours/week Monday-Friday/ 8 am- 4:30 pm, Weekend Rotation/Holidays Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 523-F1510 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact Karen J Chapman @ [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Preferred Experience:Actively credentialed with the HTCC for Certification in Hand Therapy. NOTIFICATIONS: This position is in the Excepted Service. This position is an AFGE Bargaining Unit position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Selectee will be required to complete additional forms to proceed with employment process. This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay. Selectee may be required to work at any Boston Healthcare System campus, as needed. Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized. The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: Occupational Therapist [(Clinical Specialist)], GS-13 (1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the [GS-12 grade] level and directly related to the position being filled [and one of the following]: [(a) A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years; (b) Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA; (c) Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area; or (d) An additional advanced degree in a related field.] [(2) Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:] (a) Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice[ ]. (b) [Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners. (c) Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization. (d) Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. (e) Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization. (f) Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization.] References: VA Handbook 5005/127, PART II, Appendix G14 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: The work involves standing, stooping, moderate to heavy lifting, sitting, pulling, assisting patients in transferring from various devices (bed, W/C, floor, motorized vehicles, mats etc.). Additionally, moving patient and supplies and pushing patient in their manual or motorized W/C's. Additionally, the incumbent is required to work at a computer workstation to complete his/her documentation for clinical patient care or administrative needs. Occasionally, the incumbent may need to drive a government vehicle. Incumbent will be required to travel to all campuses of VA BHS.

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 VA Boston Healthcare System 940 Belmont Street Brockton, MA 02301 US
• Name: Karina Santos
• Phone: 401-302-9143
• Email: [email protected]