Summary The Occupational Therapist provides direct patient care, and effective case management of Occupational Therapy patients in outpatient locations at the Western Colorado Health Care System. WCHCS is a level 2b complexity facility, with intermediate surgical complexity status, a Polytrauma Point of Contact (POC) site, and is an Amputation Clinic Team (ACT) site. Responsibilities Staff Occupational Therapist Provides direct patient care and effective case management of Occupational Therapy patients for in-patient and outpatient services, as well as Home Safety Evaluations. Actively participates as a member of interdisciplinary outpatient care coordination team. Coordinates outpatient services with the local PM&R department, other VA facilities, Fee Based referral sources for disciplines within PM&R, home health rehabilitation services, and PSAS/MME committees. Coordinates PM&R focused in-service training opportunities for PM&R and the facility as a whole. Coordinates additional staffing based on outpatient census. Acts as a subject matter expert regarding Outpatient Occupational Therapy services, and mentors other staff as appropriate. Travels to patient homes to perform home safety evaluations using government furnished vehicle. Performs comprehensive patient evaluations Primary patient care responsibilities will be outpatient and inpatient Occupational Therapy intervention. Ancillary responsibilities will include inpatient and/or HBPC Occupational Therapy responsibilities, as directed by the Supervisory Therapist PM&RS. Patients are scheduled for evaluation and follow up appointments in such a manner as to not negatively impact other clinical staff yet meet the patient's needs. Patient medical records are reviewed to assess appropriateness of Occupational Therapy intervention, note any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and to assist in guiding the evaluation process. Evaluations include medical history, results, and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements such as: range of motion, muscle strength, sensory/perceptual deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, and social needs. Evaluations consider lifestyle, culture, education level, social support, military, work, and leisure history, as well as limitations and restrictions related to age. Tests are frequently complex and may need to be adapted because of multiple physical disabilities or present medical conditions. Consultation with interdisciplinary team on very complex, specialty patients is expected and appropriate. Evidence based outcome measures should be used on all evaluations and reassessments. Evaluations address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age appropriate level. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them developed and implemented to ensure accurate patient evaluation. Assess independent living skills to include use of community resources, home management time management and safety in the home and community; self-awareness, interpersonal and social skills; stress management role development, self-sufficiency, and wellness. Knowledge of physical, occupational cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. Responsible for providing comprehensive patient care for O.T. patients Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals, and timelines for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or other stakeholder input and may include consultation with more experienced therapists. 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. Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to best meet established goals. Documents treatment progression and/or modifications according to departmental and Medical Center standards. Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories or treatment of Occupational Therapy and their proper application using therapeutic physical rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharges, coordinating referrals as needed. Updates FIM/FSOD database when covering CLC as well as monitoring updating MOS requirements. Administrative Functions Provides and contributes to the advancement of knowledge and techniques related to Occupational Therapy and other related topics. Identifies, collects, and analyzes appropriate patient care information to provide a database for performance improvement activities within the VA system. Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Occupational Therapy practice through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance at continuing education courses and conferences. Work Schedule: M-F; 8:00AM- 4:30PM Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52490-A, 52491-A, 52492-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. 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: -Citizenship Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)). -English Language Proficiency Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). -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; 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. -Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license. -Grandfathering Provision: 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). -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. -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). 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. Grade Determinations: Occupational Therapist, GS-09 -Education, Experience, or Licensure None beyond the basic requirements. Assignments Individuals assigned at the GS-09 grade level serve as OT practitioners in a career development position progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wide range of human function systems. The entry level therapist has a basic foundation of OT and generally practices independently. Occupational Therapist, GS-11 -Education, Experience, or Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. OR Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field. OR Doctorate in occupational therapy. AND -Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the [experience or education above, the candidate] must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. Assignment 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 (AOL); and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. Occupational Therapist, GS-12 -Education, Experience, and Licensure Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. AND -Demonstrated [Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) 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. Assignment OTs at this level practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. OTs select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, and performance in AOL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. OTs demonstrate a full professional 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. Preferred Experience: None 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-09 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: This position requires frequent bending and lifting, and the ability to assist patients with a variety of therapeutic activities. Incumbent must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height and maintain good body mechanics. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information *** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 23, 2025. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be March 7, 2025. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. *** 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. 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. 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.