Summary The Occupational Therapist who works at this level practice independently, requiring minimal guidance from the VASH Supervisor and Occupational Therapy Supervisor in all program areas within VHA where services are provided by VASH. The incumbent performs OT examinations and evaluations, interpret findings, establishes a diagnosis and prognosis within the scope of OT, and implements appropriate OT intervention plans for all patients referred. Responsibilities Occupational therapists are responsible for performing a variety of duties including, but not limited to, the following: Conduct independent and specialized evaluation of the patient by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine occupational therapy needs. Evaluate procedures/methods including but are not limited to: the review of medical record, subjective interview with patient and/or family/caregiver and/or care team; observation, vital sign monitoring, and functional evaluation of strength/range of motion/coordination/sensation, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, cognition, motor function/control, functional mobility, and safety. Evaluate for home safety, wheelchair and mobility needs. Develop an effective and client centered treatment plan that is appropriate and indicated for the disabilities and conditions being treated. Establish short and long-term goals that are objective, measurable, and within certain time frames. Implement the treatment program, modifying program as needed to achieve goals. Collaborates with patient, family/caregivers, and other team members (to include inpatient team members, VASH case managers, and other CERS program staff) to establish appropriate Veteran goals and discharge plans. Develop and carries out a full range of occupational therapy treatments using a variety of evidence-based treatment methods and techniques. Provides age-specific care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, cultural, and chronological maturation needs of the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; ability to assess and interpret data about the patient's status; and ability to identify age-specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age-related factors. Develop and implement individualized client centered occupational therapy treatment programs for patients. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday: 08:00 am to 04:30 pm Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Must be able to operate a Government Furnished Vehicle for the purposes of helping Veterans obtain and maintain housing. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. Licensure. Applicants must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice Occupational Therapy in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Education. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements below possessing a degree from an approved program by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the education institution). A Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy Certification/Examination. Applicants must possess written documentation indicating successful completion and passing of the entry-level certification examination for OTs which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience: Applicants must have successful completion of one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade at the GS-11 and directly related to the position being filled. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities and procedures to meet the needs of patients. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. Assignment. OTs at this level practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide 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. OTs demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures. They are assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services. OTs at this level may be given assignments in any area where advanced specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of the duty time). References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14- Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying; under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (2 hours); Both legs required: Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); In carrying out responsibilities it will be necessary for the incumbent to travel into the community where c incumbent conducts assessments. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (or the Act) prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from requesting applicant criminal history record information before extending a conditional or tentative offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S.C § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged non-compliance to VA at vacofairchanceact@va.gov. Applicant written complaints should include the following: Administration name: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office name, employee name and contact information or contractor who made contact (if known). Date of contact. Details regarding the job opportunity announcement applied to, and copies of any documents or other evidence related to the complaint. Visit Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) for more information.