Summary

Position is located in the Occupational Therapy Department of the Pain Management and Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) in the (NIHCS-Marion/Fort Wayne) VA medical Center. Under the direct supervision of an Occupational therapist - OTAs plan - coordinate and administer occupational therapy treatment for prevention - remediation and rehabilitation of diverse diagnoses in all practice (inpatient & outpatient) areas to both individuals and groups as well as develop and implement new programs.

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
• United States Citizenship: 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)
• (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- 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).] Grade Determinations: Occupational Therapy Assistant - GS-08 must meet the basic requirements above and possess the following: (1) Experience
• One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level
• (2) 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
• Preferred Experience: Clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings
• References: VA Handbook 5005 - Staffing
• Physical Requirements: Must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others
• Must have - usable vision - color vision - hearing - or speech
• However - these impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant for appointment
• The loss or impairment of any of these functions may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid
• Must be able to sit - stand - bend - twist lift/push/pull up to 40 pounds
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Services
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy: GS 8

Duties

• Employee receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the Occupational Therapist
• Plans and implements treatment programs and applies occupational therapy procedures to patients under the supervision of an occupational therapist
• Consults with the licensed occupational therapist regarding complex or special problem cases
• Employee may carry out or oversee the work of a lower graded assistants to accommodate requests
• Secures the confidence and cooperation of Veterans during treatment
• Interacts with the patient and family to explain therapy procedures - discuss treatment plans and motivate Veterans and family members to comply with indicated regimens and post discharge activities
• Instructs - motivates - and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities
• Independently develops therapeutic regimens for occupational therapy patients based on the assigning occupational therapist's patient evaluation and goals
• Modifies the interventions based on the patient s response
• Completes a review of patient data (including medical history)
• Assists in and renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient - developing progressive types of occupational therapy treatment programs
• This is done in consultation with the occupational therapist
• Screens - advises - and assists Veterans through the occupational therapy regimen
• Adapts and adjust occupational therapy procedures as needed
• Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long and short-term goals
• Independently modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches with prior approval of the therapist
• Makes modifications within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the Veteran and his or her sociocultural context
• Modifies intervention environment - tools - materials and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment
• Adapts the technical procedures and approaches to meet Veteran's needs
• Prepares written and oral reports for the physical therapists and other professionals concerned with care
• Completes all required computerized computer documentation
• Performs other related duties - or responsibilities as assigned to support the overall mission of the Occupational Therapy department or the Medical Center
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: May be available upon request Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 91448-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized