Occupational Therapist (CLC)
Independently plans to develop and implements comprehensive and complex treatment programs for individual patients and groups of patients. Veterans will include both inpatients and outpatients with a variety of physical disabilities, injuries, or diseases including the psychosocial aspects of such and the aging process. Specialized Veteran populations may include orthopedic, stroke and other neurological conditions, hand and shoulder rehabilitation, arthritis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, repetitive motion injury, chronic pain, aquatics, PTSD, chronic mental illness as well as Veterans with multiple medical diagnoses. Employees may be seen for a work-related injury, specific worksite evaluations for medical conditions that cannot be addressed by safety or functional capacity evaluations. Programs may be in an Occupational Therapy clinic, on the wards or other rehabilitation areas to maintain smooth and continuous operation of Veteran services. Serve as a member of multiple interdisciplinary treatment teams representing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) and provides expertise regarding specialty areas. The therapist represents PM&RS in policy and procedure developments, quality assurance monitors, and development of standards of care to ensure compliance with accrediting professional organizations. The therapist serves as a Clinical Instructor for both Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant students for both Fieldworks I and Fieldwork II levels. Occupational Therapists exercise independent judgment, utilizing professional practices and ethics as guidelines following the overall objectives to be achieved and priorities to be met which have been established by the Supervisor Occupational Therapist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. The therapist is under the direct supervision of the Occupational Therapy Supervisor. Technical guidance and professional supervision provided is minimal and consultative. Clinical Functions:
Evaluates, develops, and implements appropriate occupational therapy treatment to address both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, pain, motor skills, functional ability, home safety, environmental accessibility, work hardening, cognitive function, sensory/ perceptual function, and social needs. Addresses the Veteran's rehabilitation potential, behavior, and any psychosocial aspects of care. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them are developed and implemented to ensure accurate patient evaluation. Administers and interprets recognized tests and measurements to determine the baseline level of functioning and treatment applications which will enable patients to achieve valued functional outcomes. Documents results as established in Scopes of Assessments and makes clinical treatment recommendations. Independently plans, coordinates, and carries out treatment program and re-evaluates and adjusts OT treatment as appropriate. Responsible for the management and organization of the treatment area and works independently in planning and carrying out a treatment program to meet complex treatment objectives. Problems not covered by guides are solved independently by utilizing specialized skills, knowledge, and experience. Independently solves complex problems related to OT. Adapts and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the Veterans. Conducts and documents PM&RS screening assessments in compliance with Joint Commission Standards and Long Term Care Institute (LTCI) making recommendations for treatment to meet a wide variety of complex rehabilitation needs and respond to requests/referrals for treatment. Serves as the PM&RS member of the respective interdisciplinary treatment teams. Treats Veterans from age-specific groups:
Adult 25-64 and Geriatric 65-and over, both inpatients and outpatients from all areas of this CTVHCS including Veterans with specialty diagnoses from various medical, psychiatric, Geri-psychiatric, intermediate care, and extended treatment units. Elicits Veteran participation in implementing occupational therapy objectives in restoring or maintaining patient performance. Independently employs different motivational techniques to ensure Veteran participation in the treatment program where objectives are difficult to achieve because of the severity or complexity of disabilities. Determines the need for orthotic or assistive/adaptive devices/equipment and training. Provides veterans with splints and/or adaptive equipment as needed to attain treatment goals. Educates Veteran and significant other in the proper application/installation/use for a specific device. --DUTIES CONTINUED BELOW-- Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 8:
00 a.m. to 4:
30 p.m.; Occasional weekend as needed. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part.) 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; or 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. Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; or 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. 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 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. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph state licensure if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph state licensure of this appendix. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. OTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook Part II, chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3j. 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:
Completes complex and varied evaluations serving as the subject matter expert and as a consultant and treating therapist of patients in the extended rehabilitation and Community Living Center (CLC) setting which are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy. Serves as a subject matter expert in the field of occupational therapy in serving Adult to Geriatric aged patients Has extensive knowledge in providing recommendations for adaptive equipment/strategies in serving patients with multiple co-morbidities. Grade Determinations:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, you must also demonstrate the specialized experience as described below:
Occupational Therapist, GS-12:
Must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent at the GS-0631-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. Qualifying experience may include but not limited to:
OTs at this grade level practice independently and are responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools. The OT modifies standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in activities of daily living (ADL); and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. Occupational therapists require guidance with higher complexity conditions. OTs demonstrate an 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/127, Part Ii, Appendix G14, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0631. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements:
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. --DUTIES CONTINUED-- Education:
Maintains professional competency through documented and appropriate continuing education for professional and personal growth. Maintains professional state licensure and national certification. Maintains membership in professional organizations and reads current literature. Attends in-service training programs, lectures, and staffing meetings to remain familiar with current occupational therapy practices. Attends mandatory training (CPR, Fire & Safety, Infection Control, etc.) as required by the facility and meets annual educational requirements. Plans and provides in-service educational programs to Occupational Therapy staff. Provides educational sessions to other professionals and/or trainees to promote understanding of, and appropriate use of, Occupational Therapy services. Assists in planning and organizing and functioning as a Clinical Instructor for occupational therapy student education program for Fieldwork I and Fieldwork II level students. Administration:
Adheres to established standards, policies, and procedures set forth by section, service, and medical center. Participates in quality assurance activities and review including chart reviews, peer reviews, Veteran care monitoring, and Veteran satisfaction surveys. Compiles necessary statistics that assist the supervisor in determining program effectiveness, efficiency, patient satisfaction for monthly, quarterly, and annual QI measures for LTCI, JC, etc. Maintains personal productivity and assists the section in maintaining/increasing effectiveness and efficiency in meeting its objectives. Provides professional and clinical direction to junior Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Volunteers, and Work-Study Aid Attends scheduled departmental meetings, multidisciplinary staff meetings, other meetings affecting Veteran care, and committee meetings as assigned. Supervisory Controls:
This position falls under the direct supervision of the Supervisor, Occupational Therapy. Secondary supervision and guidance can be offered by the Chief PM&RS. Performs as Acting Lead OT of the Occupational Therapy department during the absence of the OT supervisor on a rotational basis with other senior staff therapists.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Evaluates, develops, and implements appropriate occupational therapy treatment to address both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, pain, motor skills, functional ability, home safety, environmental accessibility, work hardening, cognitive function, sensory/ perceptual function, and social needs. Addresses the Veteran's rehabilitation potential, behavior, and any psychosocial aspects of care. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them are developed and implemented to ensure accurate patient evaluation. Administers and interprets recognized tests and measurements to determine the baseline level of functioning and treatment applications which will enable patients to achieve valued functional outcomes. Documents results as established in Scopes of Assessments and makes clinical treatment recommendations. Independently plans, coordinates, and carries out treatment program and re-evaluates and adjusts OT treatment as appropriate. Responsible for the management and organization of the treatment area and works independently in planning and carrying out a treatment program to meet complex treatment objectives. Problems not covered by guides are solved independently by utilizing specialized skills, knowledge, and experience. Independently solves complex problems related to OT. Adapts and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the Veterans. Conducts and documents PM&RS screening assessments in compliance with Joint Commission Standards and Long Term Care Institute (LTCI) making recommendations for treatment to meet a wide variety of complex rehabilitation needs and respond to requests/referrals for treatment. Serves as the PM&RS member of the respective interdisciplinary treatment teams. Treats Veterans from age-specific groups:
Adult 25-64 and Geriatric 65-and over, both inpatients and outpatients from all areas of this CTVHCS including Veterans with specialty diagnoses from various medical, psychiatric, Geri-psychiatric, intermediate care, and extended treatment units. Elicits Veteran participation in implementing occupational therapy objectives in restoring or maintaining patient performance. Independently employs different motivational techniques to ensure Veteran participation in the treatment program where objectives are difficult to achieve because of the severity or complexity of disabilities. Determines the need for orthotic or assistive/adaptive devices/equipment and training. Provides veterans with splints and/or adaptive equipment as needed to attain treatment goals. Educates Veteran and significant other in the proper application/installation/use for a specific device. --DUTIES CONTINUED BELOW-- Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 8:
00 a.m. to 4:
30 p.m.; Occasional weekend as needed. Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g this part.) 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; or 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. Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; or 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. 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 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. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph state licensure if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph state licensure of this appendix. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. OTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook Part II, chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3j. 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:
Completes complex and varied evaluations serving as the subject matter expert and as a consultant and treating therapist of patients in the extended rehabilitation and Community Living Center (CLC) setting which are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy. Serves as a subject matter expert in the field of occupational therapy in serving Adult to Geriatric aged patients Has extensive knowledge in providing recommendations for adaptive equipment/strategies in serving patients with multiple co-morbidities. Grade Determinations:
In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, you must also demonstrate the specialized experience as described below:
Occupational Therapist, GS-12:
Must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent at the GS-0631-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. Qualifying experience may include but not limited to:
OTs at this grade level practice independently and are responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools. The OT modifies standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in activities of daily living (ADL); and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. Occupational therapists require guidance with higher complexity conditions. OTs demonstrate an 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/127, Part Ii, Appendix G14, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0631. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements:
See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. --DUTIES CONTINUED-- Education:
Maintains professional competency through documented and appropriate continuing education for professional and personal growth. Maintains professional state licensure and national certification. Maintains membership in professional organizations and reads current literature. Attends in-service training programs, lectures, and staffing meetings to remain familiar with current occupational therapy practices. Attends mandatory training (CPR, Fire & Safety, Infection Control, etc.) as required by the facility and meets annual educational requirements. Plans and provides in-service educational programs to Occupational Therapy staff. Provides educational sessions to other professionals and/or trainees to promote understanding of, and appropriate use of, Occupational Therapy services. Assists in planning and organizing and functioning as a Clinical Instructor for occupational therapy student education program for Fieldwork I and Fieldwork II level students. Administration:
Adheres to established standards, policies, and procedures set forth by section, service, and medical center. Participates in quality assurance activities and review including chart reviews, peer reviews, Veteran care monitoring, and Veteran satisfaction surveys. Compiles necessary statistics that assist the supervisor in determining program effectiveness, efficiency, patient satisfaction for monthly, quarterly, and annual QI measures for LTCI, JC, etc. Maintains personal productivity and assists the section in maintaining/increasing effectiveness and efficiency in meeting its objectives. Provides professional and clinical direction to junior Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Volunteers, and Work-Study Aid Attends scheduled departmental meetings, multidisciplinary staff meetings, other meetings affecting Veteran care, and committee meetings as assigned. Supervisory Controls:
This position falls under the direct supervision of the Supervisor, Occupational Therapy. Secondary supervision and guidance can be offered by the Chief PM&RS. Performs as Acting Lead OT of the Occupational Therapy department during the absence of the OT supervisor on a rotational basis with other senior staff therapists.
- Department:
0631 Occupational Therapist - Salary Range:
$81,609 to $101,463 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
|
|
 | |
