Occupational Therapist - Wheelchair Seating Specialist

Duties

This announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants to be considered for permanent full-time appointments. The first list of eligible applicants will be pulled for referral on 11:59 PM (EST) January 12, 2024 and then again every Friday at 11:59 PM (EST) until the closing date of Tuesday, March 26, 2024. All applicants may receive consideration for one year from the date of application.
VA Careers - https://youtube.com/embed/3NUvF5jjErQ
Duties of the APT (Assistive Technology Professional) Include but are not limited to:

• The Assistive Technology Professional ATP's primary function is direct patient care.
• The ATP practices independently and is responsible for comprehensive assessment of Veterans' functional and occupational abilities using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools.
• The ATP selects and provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness and performance in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental ADLs, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
• The ATP demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories of occupational therapy treatment and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references and therapeutic procedures.
• ATP's practice may include use of telehealth technology and home visits.
• The ATP administers the occupational therapy Wheelchair Seating services, performs evaluations and fittings, provides clinical/therapeutic skills and expertise to patients in need of standard and custom wheelchairs, scooters or other major mobility devices such as stair glides and porch lifts.
• The ATP serves as a consultant for occupational therapy and other VISN medical staff for Veterans in need of specialized Wheelchair Seating services.
• The ATP demonstrates skills and techniques specific to providing OT/PT/KT services to Veterans with specialized custom power wheelchairs and related adaptive equipment needs (i.e. spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple limb amputations).
• The ATP initiates, leads and support research and/or quality improvement projects related to clinical needs.

• Serves as a consultant for occupational therapy, the medical center, CBOC and VISN health care providers in evaluating Veterans with Wheelchair Seating and adaptive equipment needs. Informs VISN representatives and stakeholders about the Wheelchair Seating services.
• Evaluates and provides Wheelchair Seating/adaptive equipment interventions, including custom, complex, power wheelchair prescriptions and fittings.
• The ATP also provides environmental evaluations, especially as they relate to the compatibility of the Veterans' wheelchair(s)/adaptive equipment within their living and/or work environments

• According to department policies, the ATP is authorized to perform complex OT/PT/KT assessment and treatment of Veterans at this 1B Medical Center and CBOC

• Provides Professional Growth and Continuing Competency- Maintains a high level of professional competence by continuing participation in learning experiences/continuing education courses. Participates in and attends OT/PT/KT section in-services as well as hospital wide in-services.
• Attends mandatory in service training as required by VA, PSAS and ATP policies. Student Supervision- May have a responsibility to the profession and this facility to provide instruction to Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant students assigned to this facility for clinical affiliations and possesses skills commensurate with that responsibility. Community Responsibility- May serve as a resource person to the community, VISN, and VA nationally in matters relating to OT/PT/KT/ATP, the delivery of health care to geriatrics and the needs of the Veteran population

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • License
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Transcript

  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/26/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12258528.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Danielle Bottomley

  Phone

  (734) 263-5375

  Email

  Danielle.Bottomley@va.gov

  Address

  Ann Arbor VA Medical Center
  2215 Fuller Road
  Ann Arbor, MI 48105
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

This is an internal job announcement open to current, permanent LTC Charles S Kettles VA Medical Center and CBOC employees, current permanent VA employees from another facility, and current permanent employees from another Federal Agency. All other hiring paths MUST apply under the following announcement CBSR-12258526-24-NL.