Fee Basis - Occupational Therapist
About The Position
The Fee Basis Occupational Therapist will be assigned to the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PMRS). The incumbent independently assesses Veterans’ physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits based on referrals from appropriate healthcare providers or, where appropriate, patient self-referrals. The therapist applies occupational therapy theories, principles, and methodologies to evaluate and treat Veterans across diverse populations. Duties are carried out throughout the medical center, including clinical and patient-care areas served. This is a fee-basis, non-virtual position. The schedule is one day per weekend, two to three weekends per month; specifics will be discussed during the interview. Compensation is $85 per consult or re-evaluation/assessment and $21.25 per occupational therapy treatment, subject to a salary cap of $20,000 per calendar year. Applicants must meet the stated education and experience pathway, hold current NBCOT certification as an occupational therapist, and possess a full, current, unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy. Employment is subject to the described citizenship, screening, onboarding, trial-period, and other federal employment conditions.
Requirements
- Meet at least one education and experience pathway: a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an approved program predating the AOTA/ACOTE January 1, 2005 decision and two years of occupational therapist experience; that qualifying bachelor's degree and two full years of graduate education in a related field; or a master's degree or higher in occupational therapy.
- Hold current NBCOT certification as an occupational therapist.
- Hold a full, current, unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a U.S. state, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Demonstrate knowledge of occupational therapy practice and the ability to interpret evaluation findings and develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and treatment methods.
- Demonstrate the ability to implement intervention plans directly or collaboratively, monitor responses, modify treatment plans, and reevaluate as indicated.
- Demonstrate verbal and written communication and collaboration skills with patients, families, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals, and others.
- Know health and safety regulations and applicable requirements for documentation, reimbursement, and workload entry.
- Be a U.S. citizen, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Meet federal pre-employment requirements, including applicable drug screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and identification requirements.
- Meet Selective Service registration requirements if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
- Participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program and complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening or testing.
- Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and certification conditions.
- Meet physical requirements that include visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity; the role may involve extended walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and transferring patients or objects.
- Be able to work effectively in stressful situations, shift priorities according to patient needs, and respond appropriately to potentially infected or combative patients and exposure to contaminated materials; protective clothing may be required.
Responsibilities
- Complete occupational therapy evaluations.
- Conduct re-evaluations and assessments as clinically indicated.
- Plan and implement individualized treatment interventions.
- Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, and ways to safely perform activities of daily living.
- Enter consult results and progress notes in the electronic medical record.
- Notify the provider of assessment results and recommendations.
- Monitor patients’ responses to interventions, modify treatment plans, and reevaluate as indicated.
- Communicate and collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals, and other individuals.
- Follow health and safety regulations and applicable requirements for documentation, reimbursement, and workload entry.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits are available to eligible employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.
