Occupational Therapist (Caregiver Support)
The Occupational Therapist serves as Clinical Assessor and:
assesses Veteran's functional needs, including the need for personal care services using standardized assessments--which will assist the Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Teams (CEAT) in determining eligibility. assesses Veterans needs for personal care services, particularly Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), supervision, protection or instruction, working closely with the CSP Coordinator(s) and/or designee(s), to complete Veteran functional assessments and re-assessments. assists other program staff in providing clinical services, completing notes and gathering/monitoring data related to the day-to-day functioning and evaluation of the program. conducts initial home assessments as part of the application or reassessment process for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. assists in the day-to-day operations of the CSP specific to his/her area of assignment and ensures compliance and collaboration with local facility and the VA Central Office CSP initiatives. participates in face-to-face or virtual contact with the caregiver and Veteran to assess function and the need for personal care services, and as needed, the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions. maintains a data monitoring system to measure the efficacy of the program and assists in collecting and analyzing local data for reports for:
local management, VISN CSP Leads, Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Teams and the National CSP, Care Management and Office of Patient Care Services. evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program, processes, and use of a standardized assessment instrument. advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues. creates educational tools, develops programs and implements training focused on specific caregiver needs/issues. provides education and in service training to VAMC employees, Veterans, families and caregivers. provides ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding CSP. develops and facilitates caregiver support groups (face-to-face or virtual) and educational programs. distributes educational materials provided by VA, local, state and national caregiver organizations. conducts Veteran, caregiver and family clinical interventions to facilitate the identification of caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress and social needs as treatment issues. utilizes professional judgment, including the knowledge of normal and abnormal behavior, is an inherent competency applied in daily interactions with caregivers and the Veterans they care for. provides referrals to VA medical and mental health treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits, community-based social services and other non-VA entitlement programs. provides referrals or consults, or in some cases facilitates direct admission of a Veteran to other VA programs including but not limited to the Community Residential Care Program, Respite Program, Community Health Care Coordination Program, Hospice, Home Based Primary Care, Telehealth and the Community Nursing Home Program. serves as a consultant for navigating the complex processes caregivers, Veterans, and families encounter when interacting with government and community agencies. stays informed regarding current federal and state legislation directed at assisting caregivers to continue to provide caregiving in an environment that is safe for both themselves and the Veteran. maintains a knowledge base of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals, attending conferences, clinic seminars and teleconferences, and materials distributed through VA and private sector sources. collaborates with the VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), mental health, and geriatric primary care clinicians to provide Veteran and staff education on caregiver issues and to obtain input on Veteran's functional needs. Coordination will include chart review, case consultation, in-person, phone or electronic communication, and training of patient aligned care team clinical social work staff. responds to inquiries from the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team and will be responsible for tracking and processing Functional Assessment consults. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 8:
00 AM - 4:
45 PM Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Physical Requirements:
light lifting, under 15 pounds light carrying, under 15 pounds walking, 3 hours standing, 1 hour both eyes required depth perception ability to distinguish basic colors ability to distinguish shades of colors hearing (aid permitted) 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. Education and/or
Experience:
(1) 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.(2) 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. Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist.(1) OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure , may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2).(2) Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed.(3) A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.(4) Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of this occupation . Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. (3) OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Preferred
Experience:
5 years of clinical experience experience in rehabilitation experience working with interdisciplinary teams experience with the geriatric population experience with mental health patients experience working with patients with declining cognitive ability Grade Determinations:
GS-9 Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-11 (1) Education, Experience, or Licensure.(a) Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; or(b) Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; or(c) Doctorate in occupational therapy. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. (b) Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. (c) Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. (d) Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. (e) Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. (f) Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. (g) Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12 (1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. (2) Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. (b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. (c) 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. (d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). (e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. References:
VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G14, Occupational Therapist The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy ranges from GS-09 to GS-12.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
assesses Veteran's functional needs, including the need for personal care services using standardized assessments--which will assist the Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Teams (CEAT) in determining eligibility. assesses Veterans needs for personal care services, particularly Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), supervision, protection or instruction, working closely with the CSP Coordinator(s) and/or designee(s), to complete Veteran functional assessments and re-assessments. assists other program staff in providing clinical services, completing notes and gathering/monitoring data related to the day-to-day functioning and evaluation of the program. conducts initial home assessments as part of the application or reassessment process for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. assists in the day-to-day operations of the CSP specific to his/her area of assignment and ensures compliance and collaboration with local facility and the VA Central Office CSP initiatives. participates in face-to-face or virtual contact with the caregiver and Veteran to assess function and the need for personal care services, and as needed, the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions. maintains a data monitoring system to measure the efficacy of the program and assists in collecting and analyzing local data for reports for:
local management, VISN CSP Leads, Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Teams and the National CSP, Care Management and Office of Patient Care Services. evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program, processes, and use of a standardized assessment instrument. advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues. creates educational tools, develops programs and implements training focused on specific caregiver needs/issues. provides education and in service training to VAMC employees, Veterans, families and caregivers. provides ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding CSP. develops and facilitates caregiver support groups (face-to-face or virtual) and educational programs. distributes educational materials provided by VA, local, state and national caregiver organizations. conducts Veteran, caregiver and family clinical interventions to facilitate the identification of caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress and social needs as treatment issues. utilizes professional judgment, including the knowledge of normal and abnormal behavior, is an inherent competency applied in daily interactions with caregivers and the Veterans they care for. provides referrals to VA medical and mental health treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits, community-based social services and other non-VA entitlement programs. provides referrals or consults, or in some cases facilitates direct admission of a Veteran to other VA programs including but not limited to the Community Residential Care Program, Respite Program, Community Health Care Coordination Program, Hospice, Home Based Primary Care, Telehealth and the Community Nursing Home Program. serves as a consultant for navigating the complex processes caregivers, Veterans, and families encounter when interacting with government and community agencies. stays informed regarding current federal and state legislation directed at assisting caregivers to continue to provide caregiving in an environment that is safe for both themselves and the Veteran. maintains a knowledge base of current theory and treatment modalities by reading professional journals, attending conferences, clinic seminars and teleconferences, and materials distributed through VA and private sector sources. collaborates with the VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), mental health, and geriatric primary care clinicians to provide Veteran and staff education on caregiver issues and to obtain input on Veteran's functional needs. Coordination will include chart review, case consultation, in-person, phone or electronic communication, and training of patient aligned care team clinical social work staff. responds to inquiries from the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team and will be responsible for tracking and processing Functional Assessment consults. Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 8:
00 AM - 4:
45 PM Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required Physical Requirements:
light lifting, under 15 pounds light carrying, under 15 pounds walking, 3 hours standing, 1 hour both eyes required depth perception ability to distinguish basic colors ability to distinguish shades of colors hearing (aid permitted) 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. Education and/or
Experience:
(1) 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.(2) 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. Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist.(1) OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure , may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2).(2) Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, the OT must be certified and licensed.(3) A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.(4) Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of this occupation . Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. (3) OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Preferred
Experience:
5 years of clinical experience experience in rehabilitation experience working with interdisciplinary teams experience with the geriatric population experience with mental health patients experience working with patients with declining cognitive ability Grade Determinations:
GS-9 Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-11 (1) Education, Experience, or Licensure.(a) Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; or(b) Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; or(c) Doctorate in occupational therapy. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy practice. (b) Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment. (c) Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others. (d) Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated. (e) Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing. (f) Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care. (g) Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice. GS-12 (1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. (2) Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. (b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders. (c) 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. (d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment). (e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training. References:
VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G14, Occupational Therapist The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy ranges from GS-09 to GS-12.
- Department:
0631 Occupational Therapist - Salary Range:
$52,905 to $99,741 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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