Occupational Therapist

Description:

The Occupational Therapist who works at this level practice independently, requiring minimal guidance from the VASH Supervisor and Occupational Therapy Supervisor in all program areas within VHA where services are provided by VASH. The incumbent performs OT examinations and evaluations, interpret findings, establishes a diagnosis and prognosis within the scope of OT, and implements appropriate OT intervention plans for all patients referred.

Requirements:

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:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
• Licensure. Applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice Occupational Therapy in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or 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 Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy

• Certification/Examination. Applicants must possess written documentation indicating successful completion and passing of the entry-level certification examination for OTs which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Grade Determinations:

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).

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

Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying; under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (2 hours); Both legs required: Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); In carrying out responsibilities it will be necessary for the incumbent to travel into the community where c incumbent conducts assessments.