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The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This vacancy announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens
Videos
Duties
A. CLINICAL PRACTICE
Primary function is direct patient care with patient needs addressed throughout the spectrum of acute care, sub-acute care, and out-patient clinics.
Supervision of this position is direct clinical direction and partnership of an Occupational Therapist and the general supervisory control of the Supervisory Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapist is available on a regular basis to review the practice and support the Occupational Therapy Assistant.
The occupational therapist assistant performs the following general duties:
1. Assists the Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with screening, evaluation, and re-evaluation process by implementing specifically delegated assessments as designated by the OTR/L and providing verbal or written report of observations and client capacities to the OTR/L.
2. Receives and interprets the Occupational Therapy evaluation and instructions from OTR/L. Completes a review of the patient data (including medical history) compiling and organizing the information in order to select appropriate therapeutic techniques or medias to implement the plan of care. Exercises sound judgment to apply the information gathered in the implementation routine and complex treatments with minimal guidance from the OTR/L.
3. Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and carries out treatment interventions with a high degree of and in coordination with other VA disciplines based on completed assessment. Varies procedures, positions, and interventions to adjust for a wide range of medical conditions and multiple diagnoses involving acute and chronic disabilities. Modifies intervention techniques and approaches in light of the patient's response to treatment and changing needs within the scope of the established treatment plan. Makes recommendations to the OTR/L for changes or additions to the treatment plan, established goals, and discharge planning. Assists with the establishment and coordination of restorative programs as indicated. Identifies and recommends complex adaptive equipment devices and durable medical equipment.
4. Secures the confidence and cooperation of veterans during treatment. Interacts with patient, family, and/or caregivers providing routine education, instruction, and motivation to comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. Recognizes the need to and effectively varies interaction and communication approaches to accommodate patient, family, and/or caregiver characteristics and learning styles.
5. Assists with or independently renders specialized Occupational Therapy treatments and procedures based on the assessed needs of the patient. Monitors and records veteran's condition during treatment. Takes appropriate measures to sustain patient's condition during treatment and takes appropriate action when deviations in veteran's condition are recognized.
6. Documents patient interventions and responses, advising OTR/L of pertinent findings. Prepares written and oral communication to fellow therapists, physicians, social workers, case managers, nurses, and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings as requested to further identify patient's needs, report on patient's goal and progress toward them, and assists in shaping the patient's treatment program.
7. Appropriately identifies clinical signs and symptoms indicative of the need for referral for further medical attention/assessment from OTR/L and/or other medical staff.
8. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments.
9. Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers, and self. Reports recommendations/findings of equipment needs to appropriate personnel.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.
B. EDUCATIONAL
1. Provides in-service to staff in assigned areas on various topics relating to patient care or safety factors, especially as they relate to patient specific skills.
2. Attends scheduled in-service education as provided in-house or off-station.
C. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Provides complete, accurate and timely documentation of all patient treatment.
2. Completes work assignments according to medical center guidelines.
3. Reports status and progress of work and adjusts accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities.
4. Maintains familiarity with all internal and external processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment, including national VA regulations.
Work Schedule: Anytime from the business hours of 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Friday (Intermittent)
Bargaining Unit Status: Covered
Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-Exempt
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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:
(1) Associate's [or higher] degree in Occupational Therapy from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
OR
(2) Completion of a military training program in an OTA program accredited by the ACOTE.
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 Determinations:
GS-05
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: None.
GS-06
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of evidence-based Occupational Therapy practice.
(b) Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication.
(c) Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education.
(d) Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education.
(e) Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives.
(f) Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory.
GS-07
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Skill in promoting Occupational Therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas.
(b) Ability to perform in depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans.
(c) Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients.
(d) Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual.
GS-08
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to implement delegated assessments.
(b) Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance.
(c) Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status.
(d) Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
(e) Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment.
(f) Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the Occupational Therapy scope of practice and services.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-22 Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualification Standards, GS 0636.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.
Physical Requirements:
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This vacancy announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens
Videos
Duties
A. CLINICAL PRACTICE
Primary function is direct patient care with patient needs addressed throughout the spectrum of acute care, sub-acute care, and out-patient clinics.
Supervision of this position is direct clinical direction and partnership of an Occupational Therapist and the general supervisory control of the Supervisory Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapist is available on a regular basis to review the practice and support the Occupational Therapy Assistant.
The occupational therapist assistant performs the following general duties:
1. Assists the Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with screening, evaluation, and re-evaluation process by implementing specifically delegated assessments as designated by the OTR/L and providing verbal or written report of observations and client capacities to the OTR/L.
2. Receives and interprets the Occupational Therapy evaluation and instructions from OTR/L. Completes a review of the patient data (including medical history) compiling and organizing the information in order to select appropriate therapeutic techniques or medias to implement the plan of care. Exercises sound judgment to apply the information gathered in the implementation routine and complex treatments with minimal guidance from the OTR/L.
3. Plans, schedules, prioritizes, and carries out treatment interventions with a high degree of and in coordination with other VA disciplines based on completed assessment. Varies procedures, positions, and interventions to adjust for a wide range of medical conditions and multiple diagnoses involving acute and chronic disabilities. Modifies intervention techniques and approaches in light of the patient's response to treatment and changing needs within the scope of the established treatment plan. Makes recommendations to the OTR/L for changes or additions to the treatment plan, established goals, and discharge planning. Assists with the establishment and coordination of restorative programs as indicated. Identifies and recommends complex adaptive equipment devices and durable medical equipment.
4. Secures the confidence and cooperation of veterans during treatment. Interacts with patient, family, and/or caregivers providing routine education, instruction, and motivation to comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. Recognizes the need to and effectively varies interaction and communication approaches to accommodate patient, family, and/or caregiver characteristics and learning styles.
5. Assists with or independently renders specialized Occupational Therapy treatments and procedures based on the assessed needs of the patient. Monitors and records veteran's condition during treatment. Takes appropriate measures to sustain patient's condition during treatment and takes appropriate action when deviations in veteran's condition are recognized.
6. Documents patient interventions and responses, advising OTR/L of pertinent findings. Prepares written and oral communication to fellow therapists, physicians, social workers, case managers, nurses, and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings as requested to further identify patient's needs, report on patient's goal and progress toward them, and assists in shaping the patient's treatment program.
7. Appropriately identifies clinical signs and symptoms indicative of the need for referral for further medical attention/assessment from OTR/L and/or other medical staff.
8. Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments.
9. Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers, and self. Reports recommendations/findings of equipment needs to appropriate personnel.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.
B. EDUCATIONAL
1. Provides in-service to staff in assigned areas on various topics relating to patient care or safety factors, especially as they relate to patient specific skills.
2. Attends scheduled in-service education as provided in-house or off-station.
C. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Provides complete, accurate and timely documentation of all patient treatment.
2. Completes work assignments according to medical center guidelines.
3. Reports status and progress of work and adjusts accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities.
4. Maintains familiarity with all internal and external processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment, including national VA regulations.
Work Schedule: Anytime from the business hours of 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Friday (Intermittent)
Bargaining Unit Status: Covered
Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-Exempt
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Education: Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below:
(1) Associate's [or higher] degree in Occupational Therapy from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
OR
(2) Completion of a military training program in an OTA program accredited by the ACOTE.
- Certification: OTAs must have written documentation that they have passed the entry-level certification examination for OTAs administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Licensure: OTAs must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice Occupational Therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e. Puerto Rico) or in the District of Columbia.
- English Language Proficiency: OTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
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 Determinations:
GS-05
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: None.
GS-06
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of evidence-based Occupational Therapy practice.
(b) Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication.
(c) Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education.
(d) Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education.
(e) Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives.
(f) Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory.
GS-07
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Skill in promoting Occupational Therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas.
(b) Ability to perform in depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans.
(c) Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients.
(d) Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual.
GS-08
Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to implement delegated assessments.
(b) Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance.
(c) Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status.
(d) Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
(e) Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment.
(f) Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the Occupational Therapy scope of practice and services.
References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-22 Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualification Standards, GS 0636.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08.
Physical Requirements:
- Occupational Therapy is considered a vocation that requires "medium" strength according to the Department of Labor. Medium Work entails: exerting 20 - 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. (i.e.: more than exerting of to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.) Task are to be completed utilizing ergonomic techniques and within the guidelines of the Safe Patient Handling & Mobility (SPHM Directive) & local policy.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
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