Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist (GS-09 to GS-12)

Join our team as an Occupational Therapist, providing comprehensive therapy services. We are seeking dedicated professionals committed to patient care and rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities (May vary by grade level):

• Administer and interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate individualized intervention plans with clear goals and treatment methods.
• Implement therapeutic intervention plans, either independently or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
• Monitor patient responses to interventions, adjusting treatment plans and re-evaluating progress as necessary.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members, both verbally and in writing.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations to minimize risks in patient care and the clinical environment.
• Maintain accurate documentation, adhere to reimbursement guidelines, and manage workload entry in accordance with professional practice standards.
• For GS-12 and above: Apply advanced knowledge of OT principles, current clinical standards, and evidence-based practice, covering physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
• For GS-12 and above: Utilize critical analysis and clinical reasoning to independently solve complex problems, adapting and modifying assessments and treatments.
• For GS-12 and above: Procure, fabricate, adjust, and modify orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment, including durable medical equipment.
• For GS-12 and above: Conduct in-service and clinical training related to occupational therapy.

Requirements:

Citizenship:

• United States Citizenship required (exceptions may apply based on VA policy).

Education:

• Master's Degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-approved program (including supervised fieldwork).
• Alternatively, if your baccalaureate degree in OT was from an approved program prior to January 1, 2005 (when ACOTE began accrediting only Master's/Doctoral programs):

* Bachelor's degree in OT PLUS two (2) years of experience as an Occupational Therapist; or * Bachelor's degree in OT PLUS two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field.

Certification:

• Current NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) certification.

Licensure:

• Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a U.S. state, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.

Graduate OT Exception (GS-9 only):

• Recent graduates from an approved OT program who meet education requirements but lack NBCOT certification and/or state licensure may be considered for a full-time temporary appointment (not-to-exceed two years). Certification and licensure must be obtained to advance beyond the GS-9 level.

Experience (in addition to above):

• GS-9: No additional experience beyond basic requirements.
• GS-11: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 level, directly related to the position; or Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
• GS-12 (Full Performance): One year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, directly related to the position.

This position offers a career path from GS-09 to GS-12, based on experience and qualifications.