This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. 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-(Transcripts supplied). 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. 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). Selective Placement Factor: The preferred incumbent has advanced clinical experience and training in wheelchair seating and positioning and assistive technology which may include special certification (i.e. Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification). 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 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 incumbent is assigned in the Miami VA Mobility and Seating Clinic and serves Veterans in need of assistive technology or adapted mobility. Additional responsibilities include providing direct care services at the on-site Community Living Centers (CLC), local CBOCs, Local VA Skilled Nursing Facilities if needed, Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) and veterans admitted to the Miami VA Medical Center. The incumbent is responsible for completing complex evaluation and treatments applying advanced evaluation methodologies and treatment theories in the provision of care to a vast array of functional impairment and Veterans as well as provides clinical practice guidance for other staff Physical and Occupational Therapy. The duties and responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: Evaluates the Veteran's needs for assistive devices, and adaptive appliances, recommends adjustments for prosthetic/orthotic devices and makes minor adjustments to obtain maximal functional benefits. Independently plans, coordinates, and carries out Occupational Therapy interventions for referred Veterans to restore function, compensate for dysfunction and minimize debilitation. Evaluates, develops, and implements appropriate occupational therapy treatment to address both manual and power mobility needs, specialized seating, and instrumental activities of daily living. Administers and interprets recognized tests and measurements to determine baseline level of functioning and treatment applications which will enable patients to achieve valued functional outcomes. Documents results as established in scopes of practice and makes recommendations. Independently plans and coordinates services of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) Mobility and Seating Clinics to meet objectives. Independently plans, coordinates, and carries out specialized treatment programs related to seating and mobility needs; re-evaluates and adjusts treatment as appropriate. Works independently in planning and carrying out treatment programs to meet complex treatment objectives. Independently solves complex problems related to physical or occupational therapy and wheelchair seating and power mobility. Adapts and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the patients. Receives Veteran referrals from appropriate source or as direct access. Schedules Veterans for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team. Documents performance and timely treatment and achievement of treatment goals. Assuring a high level of productivity and cost-effective treatments are provided. Documents evaluations, treatment plans and response to treatment as in compliance with PM&RS policies and procedures, including time frames. Serves as a consultant for other rehabilitation therapists regarding the delivery of Occupational Therapy Services. Functions on a multidisciplinary team, representing the Rehabilitation section by communicating directly with team members such as Veteran's physician, nursing personnel. social worker, dietitian, psychologist, and other Rehabilitation disciplines involved with the Veteran's care. Advises and instructs medical center staff regarding care of Veteran's needs and progress; also providing discharge planning information. Continues to maintain and learn advanced skills in this area by attending continuing education courses and training when applicable. Performs functions of a staff therapist when not completing tasks & responsibilities as a Wheelchair Seating Therapist. Works effectively with treatment team and other staff in coordinating patient's total care. Clinically supervises therapy assistants, aides, and volunteers who are assigned to the section. Demonstrate knowledge of age associated changes, illnesses, and potential disabilities to work with patients. Possess the abilities to communicate, assess, and/or interpret data and information reflective of patient's status to identify patients' requirements. Routinely plans and provides patient evaluation and treatment which requires application of highly specialized skills and knowledge to accomplish complex objectives. Has thorough understanding of physical and psychological disabilities; can interpret a wide variety of functional levels. Assesses patient educational needs, promotes, coordinates, and participates in patient education and counseling based on needs of the patient and significant others. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 31783F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V8_EDRP_Miami@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more"]

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