Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Pain - Education Debt Reduction Program Approved

<p>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.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The incumbent is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all clinical and administrative aspects of a multifaceted Occupational Therapy program within the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS)/Audiology Service of the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS). The incumbent will practice Occupational Therapy (OT) in the Occupational Therapy Department, WTVAHCS in Big Spring, TX. The incumbent may participate in temporary assignments throughout WTVAHCS as directed by the Therapy Supervisor, Chief, PM&RS/Audiology Service, or designee. The incumbent serves as the subject-matter expert for pain management rehabilitation and, in addition, evaluates patients, plans, establishes, and provides a full range of comprehensive treatment procedures designed to improve or restore function through the use of physical modalities, therapeutic exercise, prostheses or assistive devices. The incumbent is required to provide Occupational Therapy coverage at any location within the West Texas VA Health Care System (as needed). General Skills: The incumbent must be licensed for assignment at this grade level and are considered to be above the full performance level. The position consists of both clinical and administrative responsibilities with approximately 70% of time being spent in direct clinical care and the remaining 30% of the time being spent in administrative activities; however, this is subject to the needs of the facility and can be modified at the direction of the Therapy Supervisor, Chief, PM&RS/Audiology Service, or designee. Clinical Skills: Clinical OT specialists at this grade level serve as subject matter experts and as consultants to occupational therapists and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the areas of occupational therapy that are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy. This individual must demonstrate skills and techniques for a specific patient population that has highly complex occupational and/or psychosocial impairments. Clinical OT specialist may initiate, lead, and support research projects related to clinical needs. This may include grant writing, guiding others in the process, and direct clinical participation in research. Additional Duties: The incumbent Assigns and evaluates work of subordinate staff, if appropriate. Maintains procedures consistent with WTVAHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations including TJC (The Joint Commission) and Ascellon (Long Term Care). Maintains all data for quality assurance monitoring and evaluates data at specific intervals. Maintains adequate level of supplies and equipment in safe and operable condition through inspection and submission of work orders, as necessary. Education: The incumbent clinically Supervises and trains Occupational Therapy students and volunteers. The incumbent demonstrates the ability to teach and mentor staff in Occupational Therapy services. Provides in-services and training for Occupational Therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. The incumbent maintains professional state license and competency through continuing education as required by Licensing state jurisdiction. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm EDRP Authorized: Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Ad-Hoc Telework Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) PACT Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Failure to provide transcript may result in non-referral of your application if your education cannot be verified. Accreditation Information: The bachelor's or master's degree must be fully accredited by the Accreditation Counsel for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Verification of accreditation may be obtained from Schools - ACOTE (acoteonline.org) NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. NOTE: If your school was accredited by Accreditation Counsel for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Schools - ACOTE (acoteonline.org) website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. 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.