Occupational Therapist

<p>The Occupational Therapist focuses primarily on those individuals whose actual or potential impairment is related to the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular pulmonary, neurological, psychiatric systems; on methods to evaluate the functions of these systems; and on the selection and application of appropriate therapeutic procedures to maintain, improve, or restore functional abilities.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>The Occupational Therapist at this level is an independent practice professional who is responsible for evaluating patients and establishing and executing interventional treatment plans that include a full range of treatment procedures and modalities. The duties of the Occupational Therapist include but are not limited to the following: Clinical 1. Independently evaluate patients using standard and non-standard techniques to identify specific Occupational Therapy treatment problems. 2. Independently perform tests and measurements of the patient's condition and interprets results of tests and measurements of the patient's condition for use in establishing a diagnosis within the scope of occupational therapy, developing the treatment plan, modifying the treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment. 3. Establishes short term and long-term Occupational Therapy clinically appropriate patient treatment goals and implement treatment programs to meet these goals. 4. Frequently assesses the patient's progress toward Occupational Therapy treatment goals: modifying the goals and treatment program as indicated. 5. Monitors patient's emergency medical needs; intolerance to treatment; changes in patient's physical/mental status; and takes appropriate action as necessary. 6. Documents and otherwise communicates results of evaluation and treatment according to OT Clinical Competency Review Criteria. 7. Participates and actively represents Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service as a liaison in ward rounds, patient planning conferences, discharge planning conferences, specialty clinics and assigned medical or departmental meetings. 8. Maintains current knowledge and understanding of all patient care Occupational Therapy treatment equipment in the department its use and contraindications. 9. Recognizes diversity among patients/staff and demonstrates sensitivity to cultural, age, gender, and people with disabilities. 10. Provides patient care/support that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of the patient group served. Interact with people at all age levels ranging from adolescents through geriatric and must be aware of and respond appropriately to the physical, social, and psychological differences among these groups. 11. Recommends referral of patients to other services or programs when appropriate. 12. Provides instruction in the care and use of assistive devices, adaptive equipment, orthotic devices, and prosthesis. Fabricates such items as feasible. 13. Utilizes appropriate occupational therapy modalities using exercise, massage, heat or cold, air, light, water, electricity, or sound for the purpose of correcting or alleviating any physical or mental condition, or the purpose of preventing the development of any physical or mental disability, or the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition. 14. Independently solves problems not covered by standard procedures, adapts, and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures without supervisory guidance to meet complex and challenging needs of the patients. Administrative- 1. Maintains and promptly submits statistical reports as scheduled. 2. Identifies and corrects, if possible, any safety hazards and reports equipment malfunctions. 3. Maintains supplies at effective level for treatment and ensures their appropriate use. 4. Maintains knowledge of and acts within occupational therapy scope of practice and the current policies and procedures of the department and hospital. 5. Maintains effective communication with patients, families, and other health care professionals to enhance patient care. 6. Recommends additions to departmental equipment and Occupational Therapy treatment programs. 7. Supervises and guides non-licensed staff involved In Occupational Therapy treatment to maintain overall responsibility of treatment. 8. Manages effective use of time/schedules for Occupational Therapy. 9. Assures that documentation supports ICD-10 and CPT codes utilized to capture workload and for billing purposes. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with occasional weekends and holidays (Subject to change based on the needs of the service). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-01522-F/01523-F/01524-F 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. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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.