Occupational Therapist

Description:

Provides Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) services within Occupational Therapy (OT) Section at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System (PVAHCS), domiciliary, or clinic, including all but not limited to: OT complex musculoskeletal dysfunctions of the upper extremity, Activities of Daily Living Programs, Amputee Clinic, Power Mobility & mechanical wheelchair programs, Telehealth, Community Living Center, Community Based Outpatient Clinics OT programs, & more.

Requirements:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
• 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.
• Education. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements below possessing a degree from an approved program by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the education institution).

• A Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two 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

• A Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two 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

• A 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.

Grade Determinations: GS-12

GS-12 Experience: Applicants must have successful completion of one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade at the GS-11 and directly related to the position being filled. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. 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.
2. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
3. 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.
4. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment).
5. Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.

Assignment. OTs at this level practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, and performance in ADL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. OTs demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures. They are assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services. OTs at this level may be given assignments in any area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time).

Preferred Experience: Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level that is directly related to the position to be filled such as provides advanced outpatient assessment and treatment for Veterans with various physical dysfunction who need a wheelchair and/or other assistive technologies, provides these evaluations and clinical rehabilitation services; types of disorders treated may include, but are not limited to, neuromuscular; musculoskeletal; orthopedic; amputation; cardiovascular; pulmonary; diabetes; neuro-psychiatric; neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Parkinsonism; alcohol and substance abuse; and other post-surgical, acute and chronic disabling conditions associated with adult/geriatric patients and rehabilitation, and Utilize wheeled mobility and assistive technology. Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) is highly preferred.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14- Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard.

Physical Requirements: VA Handbook 5019/1, Part II, Pre-Placement Physical Examination and Evaluation.

Driving Requirement. All positions involving Federal motor vehicle operation carry the additional medical requirements specified in 5 CFR 930 and the "General Policies and Instructions" section of this Manual.