Occupational Therapist

Description:

The mission of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Occupational Therapist is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our nation's Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services. Under the VA MISSION Act, VA is significantly expanding services and supports provided to family caregivers of Veterans of all eras.

Requirements:

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.
• 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 Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two years of experience as an occupational therapist
  • A Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two full years of graduate education in a related field
  • A Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy
• Certification . 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).
• 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.

GS-12 Grade Requirements
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:

1. 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.
2. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
3. 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.
4. Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment).
5. Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.

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).

Preferred Experience: Working with geriatric population, with emphasis on assessing clinical and functional needs. Experience with community nursing homes and respite services. Experience in conducting home based assessments, home visits, and work in community.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14- Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items.