This assignment carries primary responsibility for providing in-home occupational therapy assessments, and the planning, and administration and management of rehabilitation in the home for patients of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG VHS) Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program . Additional responsibilities, as HBPC duties allow, may include in-home assessments of profoundly disabled patients of NF/SG VHS who are not enrolled in HBPC. 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: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). English Language Proficiency. Occupational Therapists 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; 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 PLEASE NOTE: 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 Accreditation. 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-Documentation Supplied. Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an OT. State Licensure-Documentation Supplied.. 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 REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the Basic Requirements provided in paragraph 4 of the Veterans Health Administration - Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard - GS-0631 (formerly VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14), the following are the grade requirements. Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist GS-12: GS-12 Experience, Education, AND Licensure: In addition to the Basic Requirements, an Occupational Therapist at the full performance GS-12 level MUST be certified, licensed, AND possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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. See the referenced Qualification Standard for additional information. Preferred Experience: Experience that demonstrates possession of advanced practice skills & judgment, with at least two years in an area of specialized practice. Will work with special patient populations with highly-complex health or mental health problems requiring expert level occupational therapy interventions. The candidate must also be able to drive and have an unrestricted driver's license. References: Veterans Health Administration - Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard - GS-0631 (formerly VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14) - December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds or over); light carrying (under 15 pounds); straight pushing (.5 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (.5 hours); standing (.5 hours); crawling (.5 hours); kneeling (.5 hours); repeated bending (1 hour); climbing, legs only (.5 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; operation of crane, truck, tractor or motor vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement (corrective lenses okay); both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental and emotional stability ["The Occupational Therapist (OT), Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) position is aligned within the Home Care Section of Geriatrics & Extended Care (GEC) Service, under the supervision of the Home Care Supervisory Rehabilitation Therapist. This position exists at the Gainesville, Ocala, St. Augustine, St. Mary's, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Lake City offices of HBPC, and involves regular travel to patients' homes within approximately 75 miles of these offices, occasionally further. Occupational Therapists at the GS-12 level are registered/licensed who demonstrate a high degree of independence and professional judgement in establishing treatment plans to meet complex objectives for veterans with a wide range of disease entities. The individual exercises originality in solving problems not covered by this guide, makes innovative adaptations of the Veteran's clinical needs and performs complex occupational therapy evaluation/treatment for Veterans. The HBPC Occupational Therapist supports the facility's mission and coordinates care with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community. The OT will provide these in-home services to patients with a wide variety of multiple. complex chronic illnesses and/or profound disabilities. Assessment and treatment of patients and training of students and various disciplines is independently conducted by the incumbent who exercises professional judgment regarding each patient. Decisions are made in the community without onsite supervision of another health care professional. It is necessary that the incumbent have a working knowledge of the applications of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy, in order to ensure appropriate rehabilitative assessments, treatment and management, whether directly or by referral to a community therapist. Duties may include but are not limited to: Develops, implements and evaluates therapeutic rehabilitation needs within the framework of Home Based Primary Care. Assesses the goals, living skills, physical abilities and related needs for clientele referred to Home Based Primary Care. Develops a treatment plan directed toward achieving maximum level of function within the home, consulting with other disciplines as indicated and developing the plan in collaboration with the patient and caregiver. Implements the OT treatment plan by providing direct patient care as needed; procuring necessary equipment/adaptive devices; training the patient and caregiver concerning exercises, activities of daily living, and equipment/adaptive devices, and recommending community referrals. Reassesses client's level of functioning and home environment, revising the treatment plan as indicated and terminating treatment when objectives are met and/or the patient has achieved maximum benefit from treatment. Evaluates the need for additional services and uses professional judgment to initiate consultation with other professionals to provide such services. Evaluates for in-home needs to promote the patient's safety and independence. Assists patients/caregivers in applying for HISA grants. Serves as content expert in ordering complex and specialized equipment and possess proficiency in processing orders through Prosthetics Service Provides care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Identifies patient and caregiver learning needs and provides and documents patient and caregiver education. Documents assessments, treatment plans, services and education provided and response to services and education according to Medical Center policy, HBPC, procedures and Joint Commission standards. Works as part of the HBPC Interdisciplinary Team to ensure the appropriate provision of care is delivered locally and through fee services. Completes educational activities and competencies to maintain state licensure and any additional certification{s) as required by the certifying/licensing agency and the VA. Participate in peer reviews and completes competencies for continuous performance improvement. Completes annual mandatory reviews and other education as directed by National Headquarters, VISN, Medical Center, Service Line and Department. Attends in-service training programs, lectures and staffing to remain familiar with current Occupational Therapy practices. Attends and completes mandatory training required by the facility and meets annual educational requirements. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM or 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Available per Agency policy and Service Approval on an Ad hoc basis - 3+ days per pay period. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD52136F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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