The Occupational Therapist is assigned to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) for the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System providing Occupational therapy services within the PM&RS service. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education [and/or Experience.] 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; or Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. 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 Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist. OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program, who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment at the GS-9 level, Not to Exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c) Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment. Grade Determinations: Occupational Therapist, GS-9, Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. Occupational Therapist, GS-11, Education, Experience, or Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled or Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; or Doctorate in occupational therapy. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. (b) Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. (c) Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. (d) Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. (e) Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. (f) Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. (g) Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. Occupational Therapist, GS-12 Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) 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. (b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. (c) 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. (d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). (e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. Preferred Experience: Mobility DME Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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-12. Physical Requirements: There will be periods of walking and ambulating patients, providing patient transfers, some lifting of 50 pounds and supporting patients. Fine motor skills: Precise hand movements for manipulating small objects and assisting clients with fine motor tasks. Mobility: Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach frequently throughout the workday. Strength and endurance: To lift and support patients, especially during transfers or exercises. Visual acuity: Clear vision to assess client needs and observe movements. Auditory perception: Ability to understand verbal instructions and client communication. Cognitive abilities: Quick decision-making, problem-solving, and adaptability to different situations. Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics. ["Assist and plans assessment and treatment interventions to inpatients and outpatients received through healthcare provider referrals and patient self-referrals. Accurately interprets providers consult instructions. Guided by differential diagnoses, OTs perform examinations and evaluations of individuals who have or impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems while considering the effects attributable to unique personal and environmental factors. Works closely with acute care physicians/medical social workers in making appropriate patient referrals to other disciplines in/outside rehabilitation medicine service. o Provides home evaluations and makes recommendations to enhance accessibility and improve functional independence. Trains patient and family in safe operation and maintenance of home equipment. Triages consults to Occupational Therapy for appropriateness and completeness prior to scheduling. Interpret findings from examination, diagnostic studies/medical tests and, during evaluation, develop and select appropriate clinical tests and measures, and then integrate findings into the physical therapy plan of care for the full range of patient populations. Coordinates scheduling for all consults for new patients. Coordinates with other sections and other services in OT treatment, treatment scheduling, and delivery of care. Serves as a consultant to OT staff and other hospital personnel in evaluating and planning OT treatment. Resolves problems that interfere with delivery of OT services. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments as deemed appropriate given the needs of the Service/Facility). Utilizes evidence-based OT practice in clinical decision making. Utilizes creative thinking techniques in order to assess difficult clinical situations and exhibit flexibility in problem solving as required. Communicates, both orally and in writing, with patients, families, professionals, and other treatment team members including equipment vendors and prosthetics. Provides patient and family training in safe operation and maintenance of therapy equipment. Maintains proper medical documentation and statistical records. Represents occupational therapy at team rounds, family conferences, or discharge planning meetings. Provides support for routine department upkeep of supplies and equipment, insuring safety, and infection control. Represents the Occupational Therapy Services within the PM&R Service at various clinical and administrative meetings at the discretion of the Supervisor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department. Participates in professional and departmental development. Including in-service education. Assists PM&R OT Department in performance improvement activities. Practices infection control. The incumbent participates in the performance improvement of the Service. Ensures proper supply inventory equipment are maintained for patient treatment. Maintains daily patient schedules. The incumbent when expected to be on leave, training, and/or meetings will timely submit their clinic cancellation request through the Clinic Cancellation LEAF system. The incumbent will participate in developing Quality Improvement indicators. Carries out other job-related activities and special assignments as request by supervisor Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc may be available upon managerial approval Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 636-60337-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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