Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration•North Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Occupational Therapist independently evaluates, plans, integrates, and implements occupational therapy services for Veterans referred to the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System HBPC program. The position is based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and includes travel for home visits in Cabot, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville, Arkansas. The therapist evaluates and treats Veterans, develops and adjusts treatment plans, addresses functional and home-safety needs, and supports Veterans and caregivers in using mobility techniques and medical equipment safely. The role also coordinates occupational therapy services with the interdisciplinary team, supports program operations and quality improvement, and completes required clinical documentation and program data reporting. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and may change based on facility needs. Telework is available, but this is not a virtual position. The full-performance level is GS-12; applicants may be selected at GS-09 through GS-12. The work is performed in office/clinic and home settings.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Current NBCOT certification as an occupational therapist, except for qualifying graduate occupational therapist appointments pending certification.
A full, current, unrestricted occupational therapy license in a U.S. state, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, except for qualifying graduate occupational therapist appointments pending licensure.
Meet at least one basic education or experience pathway: a qualifying bachelor's degree in occupational therapy plus two years of occupational therapist experience; a qualifying bachelor's degree in occupational therapy 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, meet one of the stated criteria: one year of experience equivalent to GS-9 and directly related to the position; 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.
For GS-12 consideration, have one year of experience equivalent to GS-11 and directly related to the position.
Demonstrate occupational therapy practice knowledge; ability to evaluate and interpret findings, develop and coordinate interventions, implement plans, monitor responses and adjust treatment; communication and collaboration skills; knowledge of health and safety regulations; and knowledge of documentation, reimbursement, and workload-entry rules, as applicable to GS-11 qualification.
For GS-12 consideration, demonstrate knowledge of occupational therapy principles and evidence-based techniques; ability to collaborate and communicate with stakeholders; independent clinical reasoning and problem-solving; skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment; and ability to conduct occupational therapy in-service and clinical training.
Provide work experience hours per week on the resume for experience credit.
Be able to independently operate a government vehicle and provide a clean driving record report from the DMV during pre-employment processing.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as required for VA health care personnel.
Complete the required online onboarding and application requirements, including acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period.
Meet the position's physical requirements, including carrying or moderately lifting 15–44 pounds, use of fingers and both hands, walking, operating a motor vehicle, specified corrected vision, hearing (hearing aid permitted), and mental and emotional stability.

Nice To Haves

Experience in geriatrics.
Experience in home health.
Interdisciplinary team experience.

Responsibilities

Independently evaluate and treat Veterans referred to HBPC for occupational therapy services.
Conduct comprehensive initial evaluations and identify functional and safety problems in the home.
Establish treatment goals and develop, implement, and modify treatment programs to meet those goals.
Evaluate patient responses to treatment and adjust plans to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
Teach caregivers techniques for assisting Veterans with functional mobility in the home, including transfers and ambulation.
Conduct follow-up assessments of patients admitted to HBPC as appropriate.
Collaborate with the team physician and consult with other rehabilitation services.
Perform home-safety assessments and identify structural modifications needed to make homes safe and accessible.
Determine the need for home medical equipment, order equipment, justify special requests, teach Veterans and caregivers safe use, and monitor equipment use.
Report home medical equipment problems to the Prosthetics Department.
Maintain regular communication with key staff involved in patient care at the medical center and VISN level, using written, telephone, and in-person communication.
Collect data and submit timely reports for the HBPC program as requested by the HBPC Program Director.
Participate in HBPC quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
Coordinate the efficient operation and function of the HBPC Occupational Therapy program.
Ensure appropriate supplies are available for patient treatments.
Participate in HBPC service staff meetings and serve in a leadership role when required.
Represent Occupational Therapy at HBPC interdisciplinary team meetings.
Complete required documentation in a timely manner in accordance with departmental, EPRP, and Joint Commission requirements.
Maintain timely data input using care plans, initial assessments, and specialty protocols in coordination with interdisciplinary staff.