Occupational Therapy Assistant

Summary About the Position: This position is located at Brooke Army Medical Center, Acute Inpatient Rehab Services, in San Antonio, Texas. This is a Direct Hire Solicitation. A recruitment incentive may be authorized. Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Learn more about this agency Duties Under the direction of an Occupational Therapist, plans, coordinates, and administers diverse occupational therapy programs for wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well as other beneficiaries. Actively involved in the preparation of progressive treatment plans, utilizing the full range of occupational therapy modalities and the application of extensive judgment, observation, and treatment skills. Completes required data collection for workload management and analysis and research studies as directed. Uses problem-solving skills to make recommendations for the use of various occupational therapy modalities as prescribed. Ensures designated treatment plan maximizes results in promotion of healing and pain relief while ultimately improving the patient’s functional independence. Instructs and reviews all home program precautions and contraindications with patients and family members on use of physical modalities and/or adaptive equipment needs for home environment. Provides instruction to patients in a variety of exercise programs, functional activity, and activities of daily living to optimize independent living skills. Shares technical expertise with other therapy assistants, occupational therapy students and other interdisciplinary team members. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. A Personnel Security Investigation is required. Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption. This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing. A pre-placement medical examination is required. Moderate to heavy lifting up to 50 pounds may be required. Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position. Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Advanced certification (e.g., ALS) does not supersede BLS. This position may require the incumbent to work weekends and/or holidays. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes implementing occupational therapy treatment plans; and providing progress reports on occupational therapy patients. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06). OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as Occupational Therapy. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. Recruitment incentive MAY be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Position is designated as Inclement Weather Essential. The incumbent must make every attempt to report for work on time and/or remain on duty during severe weather conditions. Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Review our benefits