U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Occupational Therapist
Pay$88621.00 - $115213.00 / year
LocationLexington/Kentucky
Employment typeFull-Time
This job is now closed
Job Description
- Req#: 835344000
- 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 VA Policy.
- Education and Experience: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
- (a) 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
- (b) 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
- (c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. (2) 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.
- 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.
- English Language Proficiency: Individuals appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA must be proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
- 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).
- 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 not-to- exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed. A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.
- GS-12: In order to determine if your qualifications meet the GS-12 grade, you must have at least one year of experience at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled and 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.
The Occupational Therapist provides direct patient care to a population of adult veterans hallmarked by the multiplicity and chronicity of their medical rehabilitation issues. As a consequence of these of these issues, the incumbent must possess a unique knowledge base relative to the impact of aging on the rehabilitative process and the care of complex, frail patients.Duties
The Occupational Therapist is responsible for evaluations including medical history, results and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements. This includes but not limited to functional endurance tests, EKG monitored exercise tolerance, oxygen saturation, range of motion, muscle strength, sensory/perceptual deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, ADL and IADL performance, cognition, and social needs. Tests are frequently complex and may need to be adapted because of multiple physical disabilities or present medical conditions. Consultation with more experienced therapists on very complex patients is expected and appropriate. Other duties may include but not limited to:
Requirements
Qualifications
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:
Grade Determinations:
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.About the company
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet-level executive branch department of the federal government charged with integrating life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country.