Description:
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval , award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.Requirements:
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.] (1) 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. (2) 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. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted 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. 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. 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).Grade Determinations:
Occupational Therapist [(Clinical Specialist)], GS-13
(1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the [GS-12 grade] level and directly related to the position being filled and one of the following:
(a) A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years;
(b) Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA;
(c) Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area; or
(d) An additional advanced degree in a related field.
Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:]
(a) Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice.
(b) [Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners.
(c) Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization. (d) Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. (e) Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization.
(f) Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization.]
Experience is only creditable if it is post-graduate experience as a professional OT directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to professional occupational therapy experience at the next lower level.
Preferred Experience:
At least 2 Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) Certifications: preferred COMS & CLVT
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT)
2+ years experience with both acquired and traumatic brain injury populations
2+ years Experience as a BROS
References: APPENDIX G14. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0631
The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS 13.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit at a desk to work at a computer and have adequate close visual acuity in both eyes (corrective lenses permitted) to perform activities such as entering patient care documentation, viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading. The occupational therapist must have the ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to hear (aid may be permitted) and be able to perform sedentary duties as well as duties with moderate physical demands. Position requires ability to perform repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers for keyboarding, and use of fingers use of both hands. Position requires intermittent episodes of moderate physical activity including heavy lifting, heavy carrying, pulling, pushing, crawling, kneeling, reaching above shoulders, walking, bending, climbing with use of arms and legs and operation of a motor vehicle. The occupational therapist must have the ability to perform these physical activities without endangering the health and safety of himself/herself or others. This position requires walking throughout the clinic and/or Medical Center, standing for extended periods of time, and involves sitting at a computer to perform clinical documentation and administrative dues. The occupational therapist must possess mental/emotional stability and be able to exercise patience and control emotions. Position may require travel into the community to provide care/training to veterans and caregivers. Applicant must have a valid, active, unrestricted driver's license.
Apr 12, 2024;
from:
usajobs.gov