Summary The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service within the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center is hiring for (1) Occupational Therapist. Services may be provided for Acute Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Outpatient including Durable Medical Equipment, Specialty Clinics such as Amputee, Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Community Living Center, Rehab Specialty Seating and Home-Based Primary Care Responsibilities Major Duties and Responsibilities: Assesses the veterans Occupational Profile providing an understanding of the client occupational history, experiences, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs, motor and process skills and communication/interaction skills. Develops an intervention plan based on evaluation findings, OT theory and evidence-based practice Utilizes evidence-based occupational therapy across all areas of practice. Offers treatment interventions tailored to the client's abilities/needs and design to promote, modify, maintain, or restore occupational performance. Documents the veteran's response to treatment, therapists' interventions, and the progress toward reaching the desired targeted outcomes as per VA regulations and section guidelines. Reevaluates the plan; modifies the plan as needed to achieve targeted outcomes. Determines the need for continuation, discontinuation, or referral. Oversees treatment provided by occupational therapy assistants (COTA). Develops and coordinate educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevent premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment. Monitors currently used assessments/treatment methods and revise as necessary to reflect current methodology and Joint Commission, AOTA, State license standards. Facilitates safe patient assisted transfers to and from chair, bed, toilet, and car. Facilitates patient neuro-motor function using hands-on techniques. Practice autonomously, making recommendation and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. Collaborates with staff throughout the medical center to create an environment that will maximize the veteran's functional abilities and their quality of life. Works effectively with treatment team and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Serves as full team member on assigned wards. Serves as active participant in quality improvement programs. Contribute to interdisciplinary assessments and care plans. Assists with the Performance Improvement efforts for the occupational therapy section, following activities that detect and remedy deficiencies in process and outcome of OT services. Monitors their own workload and clinical volume. Assists OT supervisor in utilization and management of available space for current, additional, or expanding therapy programs. Sets priorities, delegate tasks to volunteers and work study students, and solve problems to meet multiple deadlines. Assists the OT Supervisor in utilization review activities, quality improvement, and other administrative reporting as necessary Helps resolve patient issues/complaints at the lowest level and refers unresolved grievances and complaints to appropriate sources. Follows policies and procedures (operational, privacy, IT security, etc.). Promotes and ensures a safe work environment. Follows established follows time, attendance, and leave procedures. Assists OT supervisor to assure all employees work in a safe, clean, infection-free environment and promotes these practices among program employees. Carries out delegated responsibilities on medical center-wide, division-wide or program-wide committees, special projects, and tasks. Assists with determining equipment needs on an annual basis and submits appropriate requests. Determines quarterly supply needs and orders through the appropriate channels considering most cost effective agreements/government contracts. Oversees the inventory of supplies and equipment as appropriate to meet the demands of the section. Maintains clinic areas, equipment, and supplies in a clean and organized manner to promote quality treatment in a safe and functionally appropriate environment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Possibility of rotating weekends Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 5433-A, 54354-A, 54355-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination / evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education: 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. 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 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 Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy Copy of transcripts is required to be uploaded at time application is submitted Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license. 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 9 Occupational Therapist (Entry Level). None beyond the basic requirements GS 11 Occupational Therapist (Developmental level): In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates Education or Experience, Education: Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled OR a Doctorate in occupational therapy. OR Experience: Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; GS 11 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to meeting the experience for the GS-11 level, do you possess the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities? Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. Certification and License is required at the GS 11 and GS 12 grade levels. GS 11 Certification Requirement Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. GS 11 Licensure Requirement 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. GS 12 Occupational Therapist (Full performance level): In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Experience. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. GS 12 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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. GS 12 Certification Requirement Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. GS 12 Licensure Requirement 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. Preferred Experience: At least 5 years of patient care experience. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS 9 - GS 12 to. Physical Requirements: The OKC VA HCS has a no-lift policy. There are lifts available throughout the hospital/CBOC if heavy lifting is required. Frequent lifting up to 35 pounds with frequent bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, overhead reaching, and getting up and down from the floor may be required during the performance of this therapy position. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
