This position serves as an occupational therapist within the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) which is under the VA Northern California Health Care System (NCHCS) Mental Health Product Line at the VA NCHCS. The incumbent will specifically address the complex needs of Veterans with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and functional impairment in a state-of-the-art behavioral health program which provides services based on the psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery model. 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. Education and/or Experience: (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 Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy 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. Exception for 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). English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. 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. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) 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. (b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. (c) 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. (d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). (e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, APPENDIX G14. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0631, dated December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: Per VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. ["Provides specialized occupational therapy services at all levels of complexity for Veterans with SMI, with service delivery to include assessment, Veteran education, and needed intervention. Utilizes a wide variety of evaluations to assess Veteran functioning in areas including, but not limited to, mobility, perception, cognition, interpersonal skills, computer skills, time management, and activities of daily living. Evaluations take into account the Veteran's age, lifestyle, culture, supports, living conditions, comorbidities, and history. Collaborates with other team members, the Veteran, and significant others (when appropriate and allowed) to establish treatment goals and strategies based on the evaluation. Identifies needs outside the scope of occupational therapy and makes recommendations for appropriate referrals. Develops and carries out Veteran recovery plans, with a focus on integration into the community of the Veteran's choice. Interventions may address activities of daily living, community and household activities, remedial computer skills, strengthening community hardiness, and using public transportation, among others. When appropriate, utilizes advanced and specialized interventions such as sensory modulation techniques and environmental modifications to impact psychiatric function. Serves as the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator and Recovery Coach for Veterans in the PRRC. Develops and provides psychoeducational and skill-building groups to Veterans with SMI, provides wellness and prevention education, and facilitates Veteran and family support groups as appropriate. Works assertively and consistently with inpatient and other behavioral health teams to assure continuity of care by providing consultation regarding clinical needs, plans of care, and care management for Veterans enrolled in PRRC. Submits timely, accurate documentation (assessments, recovery plans, progress notes, transition plans, discharge summaries, etc.) and submits forms to the Northeast Program Evaluation Center in a timely manner. Participates in PRRC interdisciplinary team meetings and carries out agreed-upon actions. Maintains best and current practice for working with persons with SMI through participating in discussions at the local and national levels and participating in relevant educational offerings. Assists in the design and development of psychosocial rehabilitation services for the PRRC consistent with the standards, scope, and ethics of the practices of occupational therapy, policies and procedures, and evidence-based and best practices in psychosocial rehabilitation. Networks and provides outreach to community organizations to increase community integration opportunities for Veterans. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM\nTelework: Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]