Occupational Therapist
Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Independent evaluation of the patient's functional abilities by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine Occupational Therapy needs. Plan an effective and specialized treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the disabilities & conditions being treated. Develop and carry out a full range of Occupational Therapy treatment using a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional treatment techniques and modalities. Thoroughly documents patient status and progress, therapy plan, and patient response to treatment using both verbal and written means of communication. Develop and implement individualized Occupational Therapy treatment programs for patients. Accurately and timely records patient treatment, progress notes, etc. into patient records. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 8:
00 a.m. - 4:
30 p.m. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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:
The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
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 the 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 approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the education 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 3120, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. Certification:
Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist. State Licensure:
Candidates must posses a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United Stations (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia. Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but 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. Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grade levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed. A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment. In all cases, graduate OTs must actively pursue obtaining required credentials from the date of their appointment 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). Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this stand, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or change to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification stand requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification stand, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Preferred
Experience:
Experience providing direct patient care to Veteran in an in- or out-patient medical facility. Grade Determinations:
GS-9:
No additional requirements beyond the basic requirements described above. GS-11:
(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-- Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; --OR-- Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. Skill in monitoring and individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professional and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12:
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level and directly related to the position being filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
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. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. 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. Sill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment. Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-12. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours per day); Standing (up to 8 hours per day); Repeated bending (up to 4 hours); Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted).
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Independent evaluation of the patient's functional abilities by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine Occupational Therapy needs. Plan an effective and specialized treatment program that is appropriate and indicated for the disabilities & conditions being treated. Develop and carry out a full range of Occupational Therapy treatment using a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional treatment techniques and modalities. Thoroughly documents patient status and progress, therapy plan, and patient response to treatment using both verbal and written means of communication. Develop and implement individualized Occupational Therapy treatment programs for patients. Accurately and timely records patient treatment, progress notes, etc. into patient records. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 8:
00 a.m. - 4:
30 p.m. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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:
The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
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 the 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 approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the education 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 3120, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. Certification:
Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist. State Licensure:
Candidates must posses a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United Stations (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia. Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but 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. Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grade levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed. A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment. In all cases, graduate OTs must actively pursue obtaining required credentials from the date of their appointment 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). Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this stand, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or change to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification stand requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification stand, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Preferred
Experience:
Experience providing direct patient care to Veteran in an in- or out-patient medical facility. Grade Determinations:
GS-9:
No additional requirements beyond the basic requirements described above. GS-11:
(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-- Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; --OR-- Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. Skill in monitoring and individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professional and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12:
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level and directly related to the position being filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
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. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. 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. Sill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment. Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-12. Physical Requirements:
Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 8 hours per day); Standing (up to 8 hours per day); Repeated bending (up to 4 hours); Near vision correctable at 13 to 16 to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted).
- Department:
0631 Occupational Therapist - Salary Range:
$53,443 to $100,756 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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