Occupational Therapist-Education Debt Reduction Program-Authorized

Veterans Health Administration • Big Spring, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist is a staff member of the Geriatrics and Extended Care service line in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS)/Audiology department at the West Texas VA Health Care System. The position is located in Big Spring, Texas, and the full-performance level is GS-12. The selected applicant may be appointed at GS-09 through GS-12.

At the full-performance level, the Occupational Therapist practices independently and is responsible for comprehensive assessment of patients’ functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. The therapist selects and provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures of varying complexity to enhance safety, wellness, and performance in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. The role applies occupational therapy theories through activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frames of reference, and therapeutic procedures. The position may involve assignments across VHA program areas where recurring advanced specialized knowledge is not required.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and timely application. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional, episodic, or short-term telework may be available under an approved telework agreement; this is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Graduate of an occupational therapy degree program approved by ACOTE or a predecessor organization, including required supervised fieldwork.
• Current NBCOT certification as an occupational therapist.
• A full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Meet at least one basic education/experience pathway: an eligible pre-2005 bachelor's degree in occupational therapy plus two years of occupational therapist experience; that bachelor's degree plus two full years of graduate education in a related field; or a master's degree or higher in occupational therapy.
• For GS-11 consideration, completion of one year of directly related experience equivalent to GS-9, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field, or a doctorate in occupational therapy, plus the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-12 consideration, completion of one year of directly related experience equivalent to GS-11, plus the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards, OT theory, and evidence-based practice, including physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex patient-care problems and adapt assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to monitor patient responses to interventions, modify treatment plans, and reevaluate as indicated.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, and applicable requirements for documentation, reimbursement, and workload entry.
• Register for Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Successfully complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment if seeking the program benefit; former EDRP participants are ineligible.

Nice To Haves

• Four years of clinical occupational therapy experience.
• Occupational therapy degree from an accredited university.
• Occupational therapy license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain appropriate patient records in accordance with Occupational Therapy, VA, and JCO policies and standards.
• Independently conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools.
• Select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures of varying complexity.
• Enhance patients’ safety, wellness, and performance in ADL, IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
• Apply occupational therapy theories using activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frames of reference, and therapeutic procedures.
• Procure, fabricate, adjust, adapt, and modify orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living, including durable medical equipment.
• Conduct occupational-therapy-related in-service sessions and clinical training.
• Collaborate and communicate with patients, families, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): potential student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000, subject to program approval and eligibility.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level