Occupational Therapist

About the role

The Occupational Therapist independently develops rehabilitation objectives for patients - independently solving complex problems related to Occupational Therapy and engages the patient in activities to restore and enhance their performance and potential for independent living or maximum function within their lifestyles. The primary function of this position is evaluation and treatment of patients referred to Occupational Therapy.

Qualifications

• 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
  • (b) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field
  • (c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy
• Certification: Candidates must possess a current NBCOT 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

Skills

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice
• Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders
• 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
• Skill in procuring - fabricating - adjusting - adapting - and modifying orthoses - splints - and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment)
• Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training

Benefits

• Physical Requirements: The employee is required to meet the following physical requirements: moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 8 hours per day), standing (up to 8 hours per day), repeated bending (up to 4 hours), near vision correctable at 13"" to 16"" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable to 20/40 in one eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

• This assignment carries responsibility for providing occupational therapy evaluation and treatment to veteran patients according to the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System (VAEKHCS) mission and the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation guidelines
• The therapist will provide coverage of the services provided by Occupational Therapy in the Acute Care - Outpatient and Extended Care Settings as needed
• The purpose of this position is to restore function - prevent further decline - to increase independence and to promote community re-integration for one or more treatment areas of the PM&R Occupational Therapy Program
• The therapist independently develops rehabilitation objectives for patients - independently solving complex problems related to Occupational Therapy and engages the patient in activities to restore and enhance their performance and potential for independent living or maximum function within their lifestyles
• Duties vary - covering a wide range of medical diagnoses - many with multiple - complex interacting problems which need to be considered in the total treatment program
• Incumbent monitors and evaluates clinically appropriate treatment programs with great autonomy
• The incumbent may also provide home barrier assessments as appropriate - involving significant others, family, and caregivers in the process
• When providing patient care the incumbent performs the full range of care for adults and older adult patients
• The occupational therapist may be required to travel to and from the Topeka - Leavenworth - and StJoseph - MO campuses of VAEKHCS for clinical coverage responsibilities

Pay

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12

Schedule

Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm