The position under the general supervision of the Chief, Occupational Therapy section of the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Service (REC), requires professional/clinical skills to perform occupational therapy procedures/treatments as requested by physicians for veterans in all states of health and illness with specialization in the areas of acute care, extended care, acute and chronic psychiatry, gero-psychiatry. Required travel time will range from 25%-75%, depending on patient needs.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgement in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex treatment objectives. Exercises originality in solving problems not covered by this guide, makes innovative adaptations of the patient's clinical needs and performs complex occupational therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-85+ years old. Stage of life is considered and used to modify evaluation and treatment based on the needs of the individual. Assessment of the patient's learning needs is performed and patient education is tailored to meet those needs involving the patient, family and significant others in the process as appropriate. Plans and carries out the full range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex, and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge in the area of occupational therapy. These skills and interventions will be based on current occupational therapy theory, research and practice. Evaluates patients to determine current level of functioning, such as range of motion, strength, sensory awareness, proprioception, coordination, perception, cognitive and social skills, self-care, orthotic and prosthetic needs and adaptive equipment, utilizing standardized measurements as well as complex, unique methods to interpret the physical and psychosocial problems of the patient. Data from the evaluation process is used to implement comprehensive patient treatment plans, involving the patient in goal setting as appropriate. Demonstrates independent problem-solving skills that allow for frequent modification of treatment plans in response to subtle, but significant changes in the condition of the patient. The employment of innovative treatment techniques is used to obtain the best outcome. The coordination of multiple treatment approaches simultaneously is needed to accomplish complex treatment objectives. Critical assessment of treatment outcomes will be regularly performed. Incumbent is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and informs physician and team members regarding outcomes of treatment, current status and expectations. Communication occurs through written reports and informal communications, such as personal and telephone conversations with professional staff. Makes recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of complex patient population. Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the occupational therapy treatment plan while coordinating with treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility. Maintains a flexibility of schedule to allow for unscheduled patients, patient/team consultations and mentoring. For each patient assigned, documents of the medical records and initial evaluation, long and short-term goals, progress reports, which include treatment provided and outcome in terms of function and discharge summaries which include outcomes of goals set and patient education. Completes patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted OT practices, facility and service policies and procedures Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience· for Occupational Therapy students. Training experiences are designed to fulfill student educational and professional requirements. Student performance is evaluated in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association and academic program guidelines. Assists in the care of patients as the needs of the department dictate. Maintains a workload consistent with the standards established by the occupational therapy section and REC. Has knowledge of techniques for fabricating static and dynamic splints and braces for increasing or maintaining joint range of motion, for providing alternative procedures for self-care, treating symptomatology for improving and/or developing work skills. Actively participates in program development for the occupational therapy department to improve efficiency and quality of care provided to patients. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Ad-hoc only, per supervisor's discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Education and/or Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below(TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED). 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. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix. 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. Grandfathering Provision: 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). Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determination Occupational Therapist, GS-9 (1) Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Occupational Therapist, GS-11 (1) 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. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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 (1) 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. (2) Demonstrated KSAs: 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: Advanced degree in a related field including Low vision, Certified hand therapist, ATP, certification in splinting, orthosis, and braces, geriatrics, and lymphedema preferred. Experience working in Home Health, inpatient, and outpatient. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS09 to GS12. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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 VA Black Hills Health Care System 113 Comanche Road Fort Meade, SD 57741 US
• Name: Megan Noe
• Phone: (724) 285-2259
• Email: [email protected]