Occupational Therapist

Duties
Help

• Perform a wide range of complex occupational therapy duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of occupational therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection.
• Utilize evaluation techniques to determine patient's current functional level using standardized/clinically accepted measurement and evaluation tools, clinical observations, patient/staff interviews, and review of medical histories.
• Provide technical supervision of, oversight, and collaboration with the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).
• Develop and implement complex, goal-oriented treatment plans for patients presenting with a multiplicity of dysfunction and impairments in physical, functional and adaptive areas associated with functional activity.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement goal-oriented group and/or behavioral-focused individual OT treatment programs, selecting activities to increase or improve muscle strength, range of motion, coordination.
• Apply the use of therapeutic modalities and new integrative techniques and technologies for the purpose of evaluation and ongoing treatment.
• Incorporate psychosocial and environmental factors that contribute to the impact of injury or illness on daily life and functional performance.
• Provide patient/family education on the injury/disease process and its effect on function, joint protection, energy conservation, ergonomic needs, work simplification, and cognitive compensatory techniques.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• Selectees will be required to sign a statement (Condition of Employment) consenting to seasonal influenza vaccinations or must provide a recognized exemption.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position subject to pre-employment screening and random drug testing. Selectees will be required to consent to participation in random drug urinalysis testing.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• Immunization screening is required. Hepatitis B immunization is required for all positions with direct patient contact. Applicants may be required to show proof of other immunizations depending on the type of position.
• This position may include shift work (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• This position may require the incumbent to work on call during irregular work hours which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or varying work schedules.
• Moderate to heavy lifting up to 45 pounds is required.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document .

Basic Requirements for Occupational Therapist:

Education: Successfully completed a graduate or higher-level education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as an occupational therapy curriculum approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education(external link) (ACOTE) or a professional accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained; Completion of the clinical requirements prescribed by the school. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

Certification: Applicants must have passed the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy(external link) (NBCOT). (Note: You must attach a copy of your active certification.)

Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0631 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) using standardized tests, customized measures, and clinical observations to assess and treat patients; 2) evaluating patient's treatment plan and modifies to meet the patient's needs; and 3) documenting evaluation and treatment according to locally established policies and procedures. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
• Position is designated as Mission Essential. The incumbent will be required to report to work during times of contingency operations, natural disasters, extreme weather or other emergency situations.