The Occupational Therapist provides support and guidance for HUD-VASH social workers and case managers; consults with OTs in other clinical specialties across the medical center; and promotes the use of HUD-VASH Occupational Therapy services. The clinician educates staff and students regarding the occupational needs of homeless and formerly homeless Veterans and serves as a subject matter expert within GV Sonny Montgomery VAMC and the community at large. 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 Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: (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 (c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. Certification. Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapist certification as an Occupational Therapist. 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. Grade Determinations. Occupational Therapist, GS-12: (1) 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. (2) 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. Preferred Experience: 1. 5+ years experience in a home based or community setting working as an Occupational Therapist. 2. Proven leadership skills; flexible; autonomous worker; problem-solving solution targeted; quick thinking, outcome driven, organized. 3. Synergistic relationship with others, both internal & external customers. References: VA Handbook 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14, December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 12. Physical Requirements: Involves moderate lifting, light carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands are required, walking, standing, repeated bending, climbing, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, both eyes are required, depth perception, hearing aid permitted, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around moving objects or vehicles, working closely with others, working alone and ability to independently operate a motor vehicle. ["The duties of the Occupational Therapist include, but are not limited to: The therapist evaluates Veterans in the home setting if within a 50 mile radius of GV Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center, via VVC if >50 mile radius, and occasionally in a VA clinic area. Information is gathered from the medical record, interview of the Veteran/significant other, observation, and administration of standardized and non-standardized testing. The therapist develops an intervention plan in collaboration with the Veteran and any family, caregiver or other social support, and other members of the HUD VASH team. The intervention plan includes objective and measurable goals with time frames. The intervention is an accepted occupational therapy approach based on theory and evidence. Screens patients for Occupational Therapy services for appropriateness, types of services and rehabilitation potential. Independently develops and implements Occupational Therapy treatment and modifying the treatment as a result of changing medical conditions. Evaluates a wide range of patients with complex disabilities to determine level of function using standardized and non-standardized tests. Assists a multidisciplinary medical team in coordination of patients' treatment and discharge planning. Considers the age of the patients in designing treatment plans. Communicates with patients, families, treatment team members, and other Medical Center personnel and associates in the community to provide comprehensive services. Provides intake assessments to help determine functional strengths and limitations for population served to assist the multidisciplinary team. The goal of services is to maximize the Veteran's function and independence. Referrals come from various team members of the multidisciplinary team. Provide wellness/prevention education. Develops therapeutic relationships to assist with Veteran/significant others in gaining more control over their lives and resolving issues which have led to homelessness. Provides ongoing therapeutic intervention with the Veteran and significant other to assist them in dealing and coping with the psychosocial issues of mental health, aging, illness, and disability, dealing with loss and grief and terminal illness, and dying. Participates in discharge planning with other disciplines and will be responsible for ensuring that discharge plans are executed in a manner that is timely and appropriate. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 586-00584F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes! This position is located within Surgical Services at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Department of Navy (DoN)/Department of Defense (DoD). It is larger than just a single facility, but rather it is a fully-integrated medical care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The combined mission of the FHCC means active duty military and their family members, military retirees, and eligible veterans receive health care at this facility.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. Join the FHCC team of energetic, career-minded professionals! For additional information, click onhttp://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/index.asp.