Occupational Therapist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs in Los Angeles seeks an Occupational Therapist for the VASH program within CERS under the Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System. The role focuses on comprehensive case management and adaptive interventions for chronically homeless Veterans, with licensure and certification requirements noted.

Applicants may be referred while meeting requirements, and must hold NBCOT certification and a valid state license.

Qualifications

• The candidate must meet at least one of the education/experience combinations listed.
• Bachelor OT with 2 years of experience (ACOTE-approved program prior to 2005) OR Bachelor OT with 2 years of graduate education in a related field.
• Master's Degree or higher in Occupational Therapy.

Education

Bachelor OT + 2Y exp

Bachelor OT + 2Y grad

Master OT

Job description

This Occupational Therapist (OT) position is located within the VA Supported Housing Program (VASH) in Community Engagement and Reintegration Service (CERS) at the Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System. VASH teams provide comprehensive case management and peer support services to chronically homeless Veterans in multiple settings through a Veteran-centric model. 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/Experience.

The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below:

• • 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
  • 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
  • Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.

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.

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.

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-12

Experience:

In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level that is directly related to the position being filled AND can demonstrate all the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of patients.
• Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment).
• Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit: Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard

The full performance level of this position is GS-12.

Preferred Experience:

Preferred candidates have inpatient, acute, or subacute rehabilitation experience, with the ability to also cross-cover in other areas, such as outpatient or long-term care. Ideal applicants are adaptable, able to flex into other practice settings, and demonstrate strong interdisciplinary communication and time management skills while managing complex cases.

Physical Requirements:

Heavy lifting (45 pounds or over); light carrying (under 15 pounds); straight pushing (.5 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (.5 hours); standing (.5 hours); crawling (.5 hours); kneeling (.5 hours); repeated bending (1 hour); climbing, legs only (.5 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; operation of crane, truck, tractor or motor vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; specific visual requirement (corrective lenses okay); both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colours; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental and emotional stability.