Occupational Therapist

Summary

Therapist will practice Occupational Therapy in the assigned setting at the assigned location throughout South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) Service Programs as directed by the assigned Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) supervisor. A staff occupational therapist is responsible for the independent provision of comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools.

Duties

• Major Duties: Clinical: Candidates must be licensed for assignment at this grade level and are considered to be at the full performance level. They are assigned to all program areas which are covered by the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services in the assigned area(s). OTs at this level may be given general assignments in any occupational therapy program area where advanced, specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area or may serve as the sole OT at a less complex facility. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of duty time). Upon referral from a physician (or self-referral in a direct access system), evaluates patients in complex cases to determine functional status, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the deliver of occupational therapy services to patients who have experienced musculoskeletal injuries, neurological injuries, and trauma. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in a range of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice. Demonstrates an effective working knowledge of occupational therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the clinical setting for veterans who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries, neurological injuries, and multiple traumas. Independently plans and develops comprehensive occupational therapy programs to meet patients' needs. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in evaluating and treating patients who has experienced limb loss, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, neurological injury, and neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Demonstrates skills in performing and interpreting specialized evaluation procedures and tests. Incumbent is responsible for comprehensive evaluations of patients for durable medical equipment and orthotics including procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of DME, bracing, and other adaptive equipment). Once the evaluation is complete, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating equipment need with the physician and prosthetics department. Additionally, the incumbent will train the patient on the required DME for safety and functional mobility. Utilizes critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complete problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the patients. Reviews occupational therapy documentation of initial findings, treatment goals estimated length of treatment, equipment recommendations, interim progress, and discharge summary in patients' medical records. Communicates effectively with occupational therapy and medical center staff. Works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care. Participates in conferences and assigned medical meetings. Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment in the Occupational Therapy Clinic. Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Administration: Assigns and evaluates work of subordinate staff as assigned. Maintains attendance records and submits monthly reports and statistics. Maintains procedures consistent with STVHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations. Maintains all data for quality assurance monitoring and evaluates data at specific intervals. Maintains adequate level of supplies. Maintains equipment in safe and operable condition through inspection and submission of work orders, as necessary. Other duties as assigned. Education Supervises and trains occupational therapy students and volunteers. If assigned, acts as clinical education coordinator for the HCBC Section. Provides in-services training for therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. Orients Visitors and Volunteers to the role of occupational therapy. Maintains professional state license and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy competency through continuing education with completion in each biennium of 3.0 Continuing Competency Units (CCU's). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Telework: Ad-Hoc only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 55518-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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. 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. Driver's License: A current, valid state-issued driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We CANNOT accept photographs, therefore please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's license. 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.

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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.