Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Summary The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Service, is currently recruiting for one (1) Occupational Therapist - Clinical Specialist in Oklahoma City, OK. Clinical OT specialists at this grade level serve as subject matter experts and as consultants to occupational therapists and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the areas of occupational therapy that are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy. Learn more about this agency Duties *Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.* Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Occupational Therapist must demonstrate the ability to apply advanced clinical knowledge, theories, and techniques to a full range of patient populations although this position will primarily focus on outpatient Occupational Therapy care. Occupational Therapists services may be provided for Acute Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Outpatient including Durable Medical Equipment, Specialty Clinics such as Amputee, Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Muscular Sclerosis, Community Living Center, and Rehab Power Mobility. Independently assesses the veterans Occupational Profile providing an understanding of the client occupational history, experiences, patterns of daily living, interests, values, and needs, motor and processing skills and communication/interaction. Develops an intervention plan based on evaluation findings, OT theory and evidence-based practice. Offers treatment interventions tailored to the client's abilities/needs and design to promote, modify, maintain, or restore occupational performance. Reevaluates and modifies plans as needed to achieve targeted outcomes. Determines the need for continuation, discontinuation, or referral. Oversees treatment provided by staff occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (COTA). Develops and coordinate educational materials for the caregiver of the disabled veteran to prevent premature institutionalization and promote safety in the home environment. Monitors currently used assessments/treatment methods and revise as necessary to reflect current methodology and Joint Commission, AOTA, State licensure, and other appropriate regulating bodies' standards. Demonstrates ability to facilitate safe patient assisted transfers to and from chair, bed, toilet, and car. Demonstrates physical ability to facilitate patient neuro-motor function using hands-on techniques. Practice autonomously, making recommendations and referrals to other medical specialties/services as clinically indicated during ongoing assessment of patients under their care. Assists the OT Supervisor in utilization review activities, quality improvement, and other administrative reporting as necessary. Carries out delegated responsibilities on medical center-wide, division-wide or program-wide committees, special projects, and tasks. Assists with determining equipment needs on an annual basis and submits appropriate requests. Determines quarterly supply needs and orders through the appropriate channels considering most cost effective agreements/government contracts. Oversees the inventory of supplies and equipment as appropriate to meet the demands of the section. Maintains clinic areas, equipment, and supplies in a clean and organized manner to promote quality treatment in a safe and functionally appropriate environment. Serves as active participant in quality improvement programs. Contribute to interdisciplinary assessments and care plans. Collaborates with staff throughout the medical center to create an environment that will maximize the veterans functional abilities and their qualities of life. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with possible rotation of weekends with team. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 635-560960. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination / evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Basic Requirements English Proficiency Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Citizenship Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education and/or Experience The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements: 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 American Occupational Therapy Association (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. 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. Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. Individuals must be graduates of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This includes 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 education requirements if they have a current, full, active, and unrestricted license referred to in the certification section of this announcement. 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. GS 13 Occupational Therapist - Clinical Specialist Grade Requirements: GS 13 Occupational Therapist - Clinical Specialist (Above the full performance) Experience: Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. GS 13 Additional Education, Experience and Licensure. In addition to one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled, one of the following must be met: A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years. Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA. Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area. An additional advanced degree in a related field. GS 13 Occupational Therapist - Clinical Specialist Knowledge Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice. Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners. Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization. Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II, Appendix G14This vacancy is a GS-13 position, which is above the Full Performance Level. Physical Requirements: The OKC VA HCS has a no-lift policy. There are lifts available throughout the hospital/CBOC if heavy lifting is required. Frequent lifting up to 35 pounds with frequent bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, overhead reaching, and getting up and down from the floor may be required during the performance of this therapy position. 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 Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. 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 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.