Occupational Therapist

<p>This position is located in the Community Living Center (CLC) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, a complexity level 1a facility. The Occupational Therapist works in collaboration with the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Line, Mental Health Care Line, Medical Care Lines, and additional Care Lines to ensure the timely provision of effective and efficient Occupational Therapy services for patients referred.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>Duties include, but are not limited to: Reviews the medical record and independently evaluates each patient to determine functional deficits and the best method to accomplish rehabilitation goals. Evaluates medical history, results and interprets appropriate functional tests and measurements such as: activities of daily living, IADL's, range of motion, muscle strength, sensory deficits, coordination, pain, cognitive, visual perceptual, etc. Utilizes standard and non-standard methods in the evaluation and interpretation of a wide variety of physical and cognitive functional levels. Provides group and individual treatments that are occupation based; promotes the Veterans' strengths and abilities while adapting for limitations; and develops skills that are within the individual's potential. Practices independently and is responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. Provides 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. Applies recognized Occupational Therapy treatment procedures correctly, safely, and modifies these techniques in such a manner as not to interfere with any traction devices, surgical drains, catheters, immobilizing appliances, respiratory aides, or monitoring devices. On an on-going basis, in response to the patient's reaction to treatment, independently adapts and modifies treatment programs, to better meet short-term and long-term goals. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment, significantly altered physical or mental status of patients, and reports to appropriate medical authority. Documents initial findings, treatment goals, equipment recommendations, treatment provided, patient progress, patient/family education, and discharge summary in patient's medical record in accordance with MEDVAMC, RCL policies and CARF and TJC standards. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm with occasional weekends/holidays; subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00742F, 580-00743F, 580-00744F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. Must pass Pre-Placement Evaluation. 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/.