Summary

The incumbent Occupational Therapist is assigned responsibility for serving as the subject matter expert in Seating and Mobility with emphasis complex seating and assistive technology as provided by an Occupational Therapist.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to internal facility employees of the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

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Duties

The incumbent provides Advanced seating and mobility specialty services within the Rehabilitation Services Section, GREC Service, at the Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Spokane, WA. He/she acts as a consultant to other Occupational Therapists and other hospital staff in evaluating and treating patients based on advanced knowledge and experience in this area. Duties will include:

• Serves as a subject matter expert to physicians, residents and staff, as well as, other health care specialists in matters concerning Assitive Technology and Complex Seating and Mobility.
• Receives patient caseload through referrals and self-referral/direct scheduling. Evaluation uses standard and non standard methods to assess range of motion, strength, sensation, proprioception, coordination, perception, cognition, ADL and work activities, orthotic and prosthetic needs, and need for adaptive equipment.
• Based on evaluations, and planning with patient and significant others (when appropriate), and coordination with the multidisciplinary team, establishes treatment goals and eventual discharge plan.
• Develops and carries out occupational therapy plans with individuals to meet individual rehabilitation objectives.
• . Implements an Assistive Technology and Seating and Mobility and/or occupational therapy treatment plan to meet individual rehabilitation objectives utilizing functional activities which have as their goal the improvement of patient's activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perceptive and/or cognitive process.
• Re-evaluates patient's performance and modifies treatment as indicated. Regularly presents patient information to health care providers regarding outcomes of treatment, current status and expectations.
• Evaluates patient's living situation through home visits, patient and family interview, or consultation with other health care professionals.
• Participates regularly in multidisciplinary care planning meetings as needed.
• Responsible for management of more complex cases, effectively and independently develops, implements, and modifies the OT treatment plan.
• Initiates ordering, delivery and training in the use of patient specific adaptive equipment in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner, utilizing the processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment.
• Carries a full patient caseload, accepting new referrals primarily in outpatients. Treatment directly affects a patient's social, emotional, and functional wellbeing. Assignments may include acute care medical and surgical cases, outpatients, and/or the community living center.
• Documents initial evaluations, progress, and discharge planning in a timely, concise manner, per section documentation and consult management requirements.
• Is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and reports to the appropriate authority.
• Complies with requirements to maintain prosthetic equipment supplies, providing necessary documentation of equipment provided to patients and obtaining stock replacement of equipment issued.
• Considers age and developmental level, gender, education, cultural background, and socioeconomic, medical, and functional status when providing OT services. Is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and reports to the appropriate authorities. Therapy services will be provided to an adult population of patients.
• Is aware of the indications, contraindications, and precautions in working with SCI, physical disability and mental health patients, based on area of assignment. Does not proceed with treatment session, if in question as to safety or appropriateness of modality to be used, until question is resolved.
• Mentors and assists other rehabilitation staff in the management of highly complex medically impaired patients/individuals with assistive technology/complex wheelchair and seating needs via consultation or co-treatment.
• A minimum of 50% of this occupational therapist's time is devoted to the practice of this specialty service.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 07:30AM-4:00PM

Compressed/Flexible: Available, to be determined by service

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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 Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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 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.
  
  • Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required state or territorial licensure and the NBCOT certification, both current and in good standing, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

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:

GS-13 Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

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:

1. Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice
2. Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners.
3. Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization.
4. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice.
5. Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization.
6. Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization.

References: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14, Qualifications for Occupational Therapists.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: Moderate and heavy lifting and carrying (up to 45 lbs and over), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination, near and far vision correctable, depth perception, hearing (aid may be permitted).

Environmental Factors: constant noise, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around moving objects or vehicles, working with hands in water, working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  
  • License
  • Proof of Add'l requirement for GS-13 Clinical Specialist (2000 hrs, Cert recognized by AOTA, Completion of fellowship/residency, advanced degree)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  
  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  
  
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Proof of Add'l requirement for GS-13 Clinical Specialist (2000 hrs, Cert recognized by AOTA, Completion of fellowship/residency, advanced degree)
  • Other (2)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  
  
  Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference does not apply to promotions, reassignments, a change to lower grade, or transfer for internal announcements.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/15/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12407822.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  
  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  Michelle Yahne
  
  Phone
  
  503-220-8262 X53055
  
  Email
  
  michelle.yahne@va.gov
  
  Address
  
  Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  
  4815 North Assembly Street
  
  Spokane, WA 99205
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• License
• Proof of Add'l requirement for GS-13 Clinical Specialist (2000 hrs, Cert recognized by AOTA, Completion of fellowship/residency, advanced degree)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Proof of Add'l requirement for GS-13 Clinical Specialist (2000 hrs, Cert recognized by AOTA, Completion of fellowship/residency, advanced degree)
• Other (2)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference does not apply to promotions, reassignments, a change to lower grade, or transfer for internal announcements.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/15/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12407822.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information



Michelle Yahne

Phone

503-220-8262 X53055

Email

michelle.yahne@va.gov

Address

Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

4815 North Assembly Street

Spokane, WA 99205

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request