Occupational Therapist - Outpatient/Acute Care

<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 the following: Clinical Independently and comprehensively evaluates a wide variety of patients as appropriate for their diagnosis to determine current levels of function and areas of impairment. Evaluations may include the following areas: activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perception, and cognition using standardized and non- standardized evaluation tools. Based on the evaluation and collaboration with the patient, treatment team, and significant others (when appropriate), develops a treatment plan and measurable goals designed to restore function, compensate for dysfunction, and minimize debilitation. Implements occupational therapy plans to meet the patient's rehabilitation objectives. Treatment may include functional activities and specific treatment methods and modalities which have as their goal the improvement of patient's activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perception, or cognitive status. Treatment may involve the prescription, fabrication, and training in the use of splints and adaptive equipment as well as instructing the patient and/or caregiver in its safe and proper use. Other interventions may include the evaluation for, prescription of and training in, the use of wheelchairs and power mobility devices. The assessments may include patient's fixed and modifiable deformities, sitting/postural requirements, presence of amputations, skin integrity, pressure areas, living environment, and mode of transportation for the device. Ensuring an appropriate fit of a manual wheelchair may include making some mechanical adjustments and/or attaching positioning devices and accessories. Educational Increases knowledge and skills by attending seminar, workshops, lectures, and in-services, particularly in the field of physical rehabilitation. Develops and implements interdepartmental and intradepartmental in-services and ongoing training. Supervises and trains occupational therapy interns and students when assigned by supervisor. Interprets occupational therapy to patients, residents, allied health professionals, students, volunteers, visiting public and Veterans Affairs officials. Administrative Identifies supply and equipment needs and submits requests for ordering and ensuring proper supply inventory levels are maintained. Maintains a safe and orderly clinic environment. Responsible for identifying safety hazards and faulty equipment in the OT clinic and submitting appropriate work orders. Participates in developing Quality Improvement indicators, monitors QI activity, and provides statistical data as needed. Identifies opportunities for program development and assists Section Chief in developing new programs or expanding current programs. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorize</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/. (Continuation of Qualifications) 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-11. Physical Requirements: Employee will need to sit at a computer to complete notes and other documents related to patient care. Employee will need to be able to stand, sit, bend knees, and push with arms and legs to provide therapy, and retrieve and work with equipment and supplies related to treatment.