Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Saint Louis, MO, United States
Summary
Incumbent is assigned to the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. Incumbent is a treatment specialist in DRIVER Rehabilitation and will provide advanced evaluation and treatment for Veterans with physical - cognitive - and visual impairments affecting driving ability. Conducts clinical and on‑road assessments - develops treatment plans - recommends adaptive equipment - and provides consultation to support safe community mobility and independence.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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
Foreign Graduates
Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current - full - active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix
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
English Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.
7403(f) 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: To qualify for the GS-13 grade - applicants must possess the following requirements: 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 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
or an additional advanced degree in a related field
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): 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, or update evidence‑based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization
Preferred Experience: Experience providing occupational therapy services in the area of driver rehabilitation, including behind the wheel assessment, adaptive equipment evaluation, and driver skills training
Demonstrate knowledge of functional, visual, cognitive, and perceptual assessments related to driving safety and performance
Certification or eligibility for certification as a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (e.g. ADED or CDRS) is preferred
Clinical knowledge to apply advanced OT knowledge/skills to the full range of Veteran populations – both inpatient and outpatient, demonstrating flexibility in delivering care across physical disabilities, mental health and psychosocial needs
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with the work required for this assignment are typical for the occupation – see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
This position may require operation of a government‑owned or government‑leased motor vehicle to properly carry out the incumbent's assigned duties
To operate government‑owned or leased motor vehicles, the incumbent must have an unrestricted Driver License – minimum Class D.
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to the following: Driver Rehab incumbent will be a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) – certified through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation (ADED)
Incumbent will spend direct patient care in Driver Rehabilitation greater than 50% of their time working in this area
Provide coverage to any/all locations, program areas that are covered by the PM&RS line
Serves as a consultant for all health care providers regarding DRIVER OT and rehabilitation
Educates, orients, mentors therapy staff, Residents, Fellows, HPT, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding OT in general and specifically – as it relates to DRIVER mgmt
Participates as a valuable member of the interdisciplinary DRIVER team
Guides the work of this team regarding goal planning and discharge planning needs
Reviews and updates DRIVER protocols, policy, and program at the VASTLHCS
Provides evaluations and treatments that are in alignment with clinical practice guidelines and treatment for DRIVER care – participates in communication with community care providers to optimize the care of veterans
Plans, implements, and reports on performance improvement activities related to occupational therapy services
Serves as subject matter expert (SME) for Driver modalities and equipment – as it relates to DRIVER mgmt
Driver Rehab: Collaborates with local and regional universities in the area of Driver OT rehabilitation
Performs complex occupational therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 20-85+ years old
Utilizes standardized and non‑standardized assessments and compiles overall occupational health information – concerning patient's social, physical, psychological and vocational status to determine a patient‑centric treatment plan involving the patient, family, significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting
Consultant to the Major Medical Equipment committee – in the area of DRIVER OT rehabilitation if/when medically indicated
Plans and carries out the full range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex – and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge in the area of DRIVER OT
Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill – or who have a combination of severe mental, emotional or physical disabilities
Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and can make modifications as necessary
Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of patients
Recognizes when to refer conditions outside the scope of OT practice to the appropriate medical provider
Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the occupational therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility
Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted OT practice policies and procedures
Assists in the care of patients other than those of the specialized area DRIVER rehab as caseload permits – or as the needs of the department dictate
Float to other areas of clinical practice as needed to maintain staffing throughout the department
Actively participates in his/her own professional development maintaining an appropriate level of education as required by Professional State Licensure for Occupational Therapy – NBCOT and the AOTA
Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for occupational therapy students
Provides necessary guidance, direction, and supervision to HPT, occupational therapy fellows and/or students, volunteers, and/or CWT workers assigned to the PM&R clinic
Serves as a resource clinician to the community and VISN 15 in matters relating to DRIVER OT
Over‑sees the day‑to‑day operation of the clinic area to which assigned
Compiles and submits statistical data, reports and quality assurance findings to document program effectiveness, caseload, and attendance
Assists in the maintenance of the clinic and exhibits good safety practices following proper safety policies and procedures per VA, Joint Commission, CARF, OSHA, etc.
Monitors and manages inventory – equipment and supply needs for treatment – and informs appropriate staff if needed
Additional duties as needed
Work schedule: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday‑Friday, weekend/holiday rotations
Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 00000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
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Incumbent is assigned to the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. Incumbent is a treatment specialist in DRIVER Rehabilitation and will provide advanced evaluation and treatment for Veterans with physical - cognitive - and visual impairments affecting driving ability. Conducts clinical and on‑road assessments - develops treatment plans - recommends adaptive equipment - and provides consultation to support safe community mobility and independence.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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
Foreign Graduates
Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current - full - active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix
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
English Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.
7403(f) 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: To qualify for the GS-13 grade - applicants must possess the following requirements: 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 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
or an additional advanced degree in a related field
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): 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, or update evidence‑based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization
Preferred Experience: Experience providing occupational therapy services in the area of driver rehabilitation, including behind the wheel assessment, adaptive equipment evaluation, and driver skills training
Demonstrate knowledge of functional, visual, cognitive, and perceptual assessments related to driving safety and performance
Certification or eligibility for certification as a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (e.g. ADED or CDRS) is preferred
Clinical knowledge to apply advanced OT knowledge/skills to the full range of Veteran populations – both inpatient and outpatient, demonstrating flexibility in delivering care across physical disabilities, mental health and psychosocial needs
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with the work required for this assignment are typical for the occupation – see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
This position may require operation of a government‑owned or government‑leased motor vehicle to properly carry out the incumbent's assigned duties
To operate government‑owned or leased motor vehicles, the incumbent must have an unrestricted Driver License – minimum Class D.
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to the following: Driver Rehab incumbent will be a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) – certified through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation (ADED)
Incumbent will spend direct patient care in Driver Rehabilitation greater than 50% of their time working in this area
Provide coverage to any/all locations, program areas that are covered by the PM&RS line
Serves as a consultant for all health care providers regarding DRIVER OT and rehabilitation
Educates, orients, mentors therapy staff, Residents, Fellows, HPT, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding OT in general and specifically – as it relates to DRIVER mgmt
Participates as a valuable member of the interdisciplinary DRIVER team
Guides the work of this team regarding goal planning and discharge planning needs
Reviews and updates DRIVER protocols, policy, and program at the VASTLHCS
Provides evaluations and treatments that are in alignment with clinical practice guidelines and treatment for DRIVER care – participates in communication with community care providers to optimize the care of veterans
Plans, implements, and reports on performance improvement activities related to occupational therapy services
Serves as subject matter expert (SME) for Driver modalities and equipment – as it relates to DRIVER mgmt
Driver Rehab: Collaborates with local and regional universities in the area of Driver OT rehabilitation
Performs complex occupational therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 20-85+ years old
Utilizes standardized and non‑standardized assessments and compiles overall occupational health information – concerning patient's social, physical, psychological and vocational status to determine a patient‑centric treatment plan involving the patient, family, significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting
Consultant to the Major Medical Equipment committee – in the area of DRIVER OT rehabilitation if/when medically indicated
Plans and carries out the full range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex – and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge in the area of DRIVER OT
Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill – or who have a combination of severe mental, emotional or physical disabilities
Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and can make modifications as necessary
Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of patients
Recognizes when to refer conditions outside the scope of OT practice to the appropriate medical provider
Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the occupational therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility
Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted OT practice policies and procedures
Assists in the care of patients other than those of the specialized area DRIVER rehab as caseload permits – or as the needs of the department dictate
Float to other areas of clinical practice as needed to maintain staffing throughout the department
Actively participates in his/her own professional development maintaining an appropriate level of education as required by Professional State Licensure for Occupational Therapy – NBCOT and the AOTA
Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for occupational therapy students
Provides necessary guidance, direction, and supervision to HPT, occupational therapy fellows and/or students, volunteers, and/or CWT workers assigned to the PM&R clinic
Serves as a resource clinician to the community and VISN 15 in matters relating to DRIVER OT
Over‑sees the day‑to‑day operation of the clinic area to which assigned
Compiles and submits statistical data, reports and quality assurance findings to document program effectiveness, caseload, and attendance
Assists in the maintenance of the clinic and exhibits good safety practices following proper safety policies and procedures per VA, Joint Commission, CARF, OSHA, etc.
Monitors and manages inventory – equipment and supply needs for treatment – and informs appropriate staff if needed
Additional duties as needed
Work schedule: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday‑Friday, weekend/holiday rotations
Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 00000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
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