The Supervisory Occupational Therapy position plans and coordinates the comprehensive Occupational Therapy (OT) treatment programs, using knowledge of best practice in the profession, as an integral part of the complex Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation service (PM&RS) within Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Memphis, TN. 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. Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)). Education: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be 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. OR Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that ACOTE would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution.) ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Association. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. State Licensure. Candidates must possess] a full, current, and unrestricted state license, to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-13 Supervisory Occupational Therapist Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions. (b) Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality performance, and productivity within the service. (c) Skill in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers to include conflict resolution. (d) Ability to utilize evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools. Assignment. Supervisory OTs at this level are generally found at complex facilities. The supervisory occupational therapist is responsible for the supervision, administrative management and direction of the occupational therapy program in an OT section or equivalent work group. They have oversight for planning and directing the staff assignments in a variety of clinical settings. The supervisory OT provides a Veteran/client centered environment while enhancing staff engagement. Typical duties include: assigning work; monitoring clinical performance; resolving staff conflicts; identifying continuing education and training needs; and preparing performance standards and ratings. They interview candidates for positions; recommend appointments, advancements, or when appropriate, disciplinary actions; administer leave; and coordinate staffing needs. Supervisory OTs may provide occupational therapy and have capacity to care for more complex patients. They develop/initiate new treatment programs which integrate outcomes and advancements in practice from current research findings. The supervisory OT serves as an instructor in the facility's in-service clinical training program. They serve as an advocate and resource consultant to the therapy staff and facility-at large through communication with other departments, physicians, external agencies and other groups regarding programs and operation of the occupational therapy section. Preferred Experience: Must have one year of supervisory experience as an Occupational Therapist. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 PART II APPENDIX G14 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing, walking, kneeling, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting 15-44 lbs., and twisting. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Operation of a motor vehicle is required. ["Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Assigns and supervises Occupational therapist, assistants, and students in the delivery of treatment in clinics and multiple bedside programs. Serves as a consultant to Occupational Therapy staff, PM&RS, and other Medical Center staff in evaluating and planning treatment for the most complex cases using state of the art best practice (e.g., evidence-based, client centered, occupation-based). During periods of leave, carries out the clinic treatment schedule of the absent therapist-evaluating, developing, and implementing treatment for patients with complex disabilities. Identifies, provides, and makes provision for continuing education needs of staff. Plans Occupational Therapy program to ensure maximum efficiency in utilization of all resources-personnel, space, equipment, supplies, and training appropriations. Actively participates in a comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan to ensure quality and appropriateness of care. Identifies, analyzes, and resolves potential problems within OT, and as they interface with other disciplines. Interview candidates; recommends appointments, promotions, awards, and disciplinary action; develops position and functional descriptions and performance appraisals; also evaluates the performance of OT staff. Designs data collection tools, finalizes report data, and maintains for record purposes. Ensures the development, implementation, and maintenance of Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) requirements in accordance with VHA and Medical Center policy. This involves developing and implementing environmental policies, procedures, and systems within areas of responsibility. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Remote: Not available Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.