Occupational Therapist (EDRP Authorized)

<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>Major duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical: Evaluates, develops, and implements appropriate occupational therapy treatment Addresses the Veteran's rehabilitation potential, behavior and any psychosocial aspects of care. Administers and interprets recognized tests and measurements to determine baseline level of functioning and treatment applications. Independently plans, coordinates, and carries out treatment program and re-evaluates and adjusts OT treatment as appropriate. Responsible for the management and organization of the treatment area and works independently in planning and carrying out a treatment program. Independently solves complex problems related to OT. Adapts and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the Veterans. Conducts and documents PM&RS screening assessments Determines need for orthotic or assistive/adaptive devices/equipment and training. Educates Veteran and significant other in the proper application/installation/use for a specific device. Monitors Veteran's response to program, summarizes and analyzes Veteran's performance, and modifies program and goals when necessary to meet Veteran's needs as situations and performance changes to attain projected functional outcomes. Independently develops, plans, coordinates, and initiates new programs, activities, and procedures to meet needs of Veterans with complex problems/disabilities as well as the specific needs of the general population of patients. Works cooperatively with other specialties to provide seamless rehabilitation treatment for patients who may require interdisciplinary and complex care including participation in interdisciplinary meetings for special programs, patient care, and discharge planning. Education: Maintains professional competency through documented and appropriate continuing education for professional and personal growth. Maintains professional state licensure and national certification. Maintains membership in professional organizations and reads current literature. Attends in-service training programs, lectures, and staffing meetings to remain familiar with current occupational therapy practices. Attends mandatory training as required by the facility and meets annual educational requirements. Plans and provides in-service educational programs to Occupational Therapy staff. Provides educational sessions to other professionals and/or trainees to promote understanding of, and appropriate use of, Occupational Therapy services. Assists in planning and organizing and functioning as a Clinical Instructor for occupational therapy student education program for Fieldwork I and Fieldwork II level students. Serves as a resource/consultant to other therapists and staff in specialty area to solve complex problems. Serves as role model possessing a demonstrating clinical expertise that is recognized and sought by peers. Assesses Veteran educational needs, promotes, coordinates, and participates in Veteran education and counseling based on needs of the patient and significant others. Develops and applies standards and criteria for newly identified areas of practice in specialty area. Administration: Adheres to established standards, policies, and procedures. Participates in quality assurance activities and review including chart reviews, peer reviews, Veteran care monitoring, and Veteran satisfaction surveys. Compiles necessary statistics that assists supervisor in determining program effectiveness, efficiency, patient satisfaction for monthly, quarterly, and annual QI measures for CARF, JC, etc. Maintains personal productivity and assists the section in maintaining/increasing effectiveness and efficiency in meeting its objectives. Maintains safety standards and approved medical practices to ensure safety of the environment for patients. Responsible for providing and maintaining adequate supplies and equipment according to the needs of the occupational therapy clinic program and patient treatment. Monitors clinic areas to ensure that a clean, safety conscious environment exists for all patients and staff. Inpatient therapist's schedules inpatient clinic appointment using Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology (Vista) scheduling options. Outpatient therapists triages consults and writes text orders for scheduling of Veteran's appointments. Uses established business rules to schedule appointments for veterans. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55828-F; 55829-F; 55830-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized</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>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/. Accreditation Information: The bachelor's degree must 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. Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from http://www.acoteonline.org 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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.