Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Hiring for Lead Occupational Therapist at North Chicago, Illinois Full Time

Summary The Lead Occupational Therapy position is assigned to the Occupational Therapy Department, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Captain James Lovell Health Care Center. The incumbent serves as a direct care OT provider and has an active role in clinical oversight of daily operations of Occupational Therapy inpatient and outpatient practice settings and acts as a liaison between OT practitioners and the PM&R OT Section Chief. Responsibilities Major duties include but are not limited to: CLINICAL: Assesses patient’s functional status and occupational therapy needs through review of physician referral, medical history and records, and results of appropriate functional tests and measurements. Tests can be standard, non-standard or complex and may need to be adapted due to multiple physical disabilities or present medical conditions. Provides population – specific care, as identified in the Population-Specific Competencies, including knowledge of principles of growth and development relevant to the population(s) served and associated age – specific changes; ability to assess, and interpret data about the patient’s status; and ability to identify population – specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the population – related factors noted. Establishes meaningful and specific therapeutic goals and independently designs a treatment plan to meet established goals in the most efficient manner. Completes re-evaluations in a timely manner and modifies goals and treatment plans based on the specific information collected in re-evaluation of patients. Extra additional duties. CLINICAL EDUCATOR: Is responsible for establishing, negotiating and maintaining affiliation agreements for occupational therapy students with accredited colleges and universities. Is responsible for developing, conducting and upgrading student-training program content and educational experiences for students in an Occupational Therapy program, associated health trainees and others assigned to occupational therapy for training. Serves as a liaison with affiliated college or university in determining when students may be sent for training, the number of students sent, and areas of training and assignments. Plans, schedules and/or provides weekly in-service opportunities for all PM&RS clinicians. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Demonstrates the teaching skills required to provide education to patients, families, employees, students and co-workers. Communication and interpersonal relations are effective, appropriate and courteous to both internal and external customers Performs competent written documentation following prescribed guidelines for initial evaluations and progress notes. Participates in multidisciplinary rounds and communicates both orally and in writing with medical and other allied health personnel to inform them of the patient’s progress and seek multidisciplinary involvement in patient treatment so as to affect maximum rehabilitation potential and make appropriate discharge plans. PATIENT EDUCATION: Discusses with patients and/or family the nature of the disability or disease and consults with them on assessment findings and treatment plan, to involve patients and/or family in the total management of their care and rehabilitation. Provides patient/family education and training in home treatment/exercise programs, adaptive equipment and post-hospital adjustment in a way that is clear and understandable by those involved. ADMINISTRATION: Documents clearly and concisely the physical findings noted during assessment and treatment into the medical record. A therapist at this level will be able to document appropriately to support the level of care provided as evaluated by peer review. Accurately maintains encounter data and treatment documentation in keeping with PM&R and hospital-wide policies. Extra additional duties. EDUCATIONAL/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Participates in service level staff meetings, service level education and plans and presents in-service training and educational programs to PM&R and other FHCC health professionals and staff. Extra additional duties. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Displays considerable tact and skill and overall cooperative attitude in dealing effectively with management, co-workers, patients and the general public and will effectively work together to implement the organization’s mission and goals. Extra additional customer service. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: This person is supervised by the Clinical Coordinator, PM&RS. The Supervisor sets the overall objectives to be met. The Incumbent practices within an Occupational Therapy Department who are available as needed for assistance in complex decision making about services and treatment provided to patients and/or caregivers. The incumbent consults with the supervisor as needed and with colleagues to develop knowledge and apply agency policies and practice. Work is reviewed for technical adequacy and conformance with policy, procedures and practice applicable to the subject. Work Schedule: To Be Determined Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not suitable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 556-02014-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Eva Genera , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications To qualify for the announced position you must have completed one year of experience to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the OT Lead position. 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. English Language Proficiency Education and/or Experience.: 1. 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). TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED OR 2. A 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.) TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED OR 3. A master’s degree or higher in occupational therapy. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) Licensure: current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice Occupational Therapy in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. 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: GS-13: To qualify at the announced grade in this position you must have one year of GS-12 equivalent related experience. Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice. (b) Ability to apply advanced occupational therapy knowledge to provide clinical guidance and mentorship to OT practitioners. (c) Ability to independently monitor and evaluate clinically appropriate treatment programs. (d) Ability to act as a liaison between OT practitioners and the supervisor by coordinating clinical activities, program development, outcome management, and strategic planning. (e) Ability to assess, prioritize, and address interpersonal or programmatic conflicts at the lowest possible level. (f) Ability to implement, revise and update evidence based protocols, procedures and approved competencies for occupational therapy services. References: VA Handbook 5005/127, Part II, Appendix G14 The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. Physical Requirements: Selectee will meet and maintain physical and drug test program requirements for the position as required. There will be periods of walking and ambulating patients, providing patient transfers, some lifting of 50 pounds and supporting patients. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.