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Occupational Therapist (Homeless Program)

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Posted on Jul 2, 2024

Summary

Incumbent is a licensed Occupational Therapist on a multi-disciplinary HCHV team focusing on homeless veterans in Supportive Housing Programs, VA Contract Shelters, and VA Grant Funded Transitional Housing Programs. The Occupational Therapist addresses basic and instrumental activities of daily living and the complex skillset required for Veteran's to obtain and maintain their housing. Evaluation and treatment occurs in the Veteran's natural environment and at the medical center.

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Overview

  • Accepting applications
  • Open & closing dates

    07/01/2024 to 07/10/2024

  • Salary

    $95,895 - $124,659 per year

  • Pay scale & grade

    GS 12

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    Location

    1 vacancy in the following location:

  • Remote job

    No

  • Telework eligible

    No

  • Travel Required

    25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

  • Relocation expenses reimbursed

    No

  • Appointment type

    Permanent

  • Work schedule

    Full-time

  • Service

    Excepted

  • Promotion potential

    None

  • Job family (Series)

    0631 Occupational Therapist

  • Supervisory status

    No

  • Security clearance

    Not Required

  • Drug test

    No

  • Position sensitivity and risk

    Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

  • Trust determination process

    Credentialing

    Suitability/Fitness


  • Announcement number

    CBSR-12462864-24-BK

  • Control number

    798094500

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This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This Vacancy announcement is only open to Current, Permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Duties

Major Duties to include but not limited to:

Clinical

  • Identify and recommend technological devices and adaptive equipment that can eliminate barriers or compensate for deficits that may prevent a veteran's successful completion of their treatment plan and the development of appropriate life skills and maintenance of quality of life.
  • Provides assessment to evaluate the veteran's ability to live independently and meet basic needs in independent housing.
  • Patient-Family Counseling And Education - Supervises the organization and implementation of an
    Occupational Therapy group for the purpose of improving skills related to independent living; Skills to
    Assess / Address / and Develop:
    a. Personal Self-Care: Causation, Cleanliness, Time Management, Confusion, Frustration, and Disorganization.
    b. Task Function: Plan Personal Space, Organization of Living Environment, Follow Instruction to
    Completion and Attention to Detail and Neatness
    c. Communication: Initiation of Contact, Response to Others, Conflict Resolution, Stress Reduction and
    Frustration Tolerance
    d. Community (self/ work/ play): Cultural and Spiritual Environment, Activities of Interest, Utilization of
    Social Supports and Understand Physical and Emotional Needs.
  • Provide education to patients concerning the available resources in their home community, provides testing and assessments utilizing microcomputer or data communications equipment. Educates family members in regard to the nature of the program and how they may actively participate in supporting their family member.
  • Relationships Interdisciplinary/Team Responsibilities: As a member of the inter-disciplinary HCHV Treatment
    Team, consultant to various interdisciplinary treatment teams within the Mental Health Service Line.
    a. Communicates veterans' occupational therapy assessment/ and evaluation results, as well as, treatment plans, goals and progress to interdisciplinary treatment team members individually and during clinical case conference.
    b. Consults and establishes in-service programs for other VAAAHS disciplines and works cooperatively with them to provide comprehensive veteran care.
    c. The Occupational Therapist is as a member of the HCHV Team and will be asked to provide or participate in
    presentations to community groups and agencies that promote awareness of homelessness amongst veterans.
  • Records And Reports Documentation: Documents and records data in CPRS and HOMES; pertaining to demographics, psycho social history, treatment plans, individual and group treatment sessions, and interactions, initial notes, assessment findings, treatment plans, progress notes, incident reports, encounter forms, telephonic interactions, follow-up contacts.
    a. All documentation will be entered into the veteran record within 3 calendar days of service. All documentation will be entered in the Homeless Operations Management Evaluation within 24 hours of the date of service.
  • Provide oversight to Occupational Therapy Assistants and delegate patient care responsibilities to them. May also delegate non-patient care duties to a non-licensed staff.
Educational Responsibilities/Professional Development
  • Attends training and educational activities to support the clinical competencies and role as member of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program and Mental Health Service Line.
  • Maintain licensing as an Occupational Therapist through continuing education and advanced learning requirements as ordered by the licensing body.
  • Student Training Program - Responsibility to the profession of Occupational Therapy and this health system and the Mental Health Service Line- Homeless Programs to serve as a clinical instructor for Occupational Therapy students and provide instruction and supervision to occupational therapy, psychology, and other students.
  • The Occupational Therapist serves as a resource to the community in matters relating to occupational therapy,
    the delivery of health care, and the needs of the veteran population.
Administrative
  • Incumbent prepares productivity and service reports as required by the Service/Section.
  • Maintains records of all services provided using CPT codes/event capture and current methodology to prepare reports as require by the Service.
  • Submits requests of supplies and equipment following service policies and procedures.
  • Reports noted deficiencies in service delivery, safety and security. Contributes with ideas to improve operations.
  • Participates in information and outcomes management activities such as, but not limited to: surveys, performance improvement and strategic plan development.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am- 4:30pm.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 93753A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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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

Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Be a Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C.7407(a)).
  • English Language Proficiency: [Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.7403(f).]
  • Education and/ or Experience:
  1. Individuals must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
    • (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. OR
    • (b) 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
    • (c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.
  2. 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.
  • Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix.
  • 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.
  • Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain [the required state or territorial licensure and the NBCOT certification, both current and in good standing,] must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

Grade Determinations: GS-12 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

(1) Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.

(2) Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
(a) 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.
(b) Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
(c) 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.
(d) Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment).
(e) Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.

Preferred Experience:
  • 3-5 years of HUD-VASH( Homeless Program) experience.

References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G14 Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard GS-631 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019.

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

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting and carrying (45+ lbs); Moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.); straight pulling (<1 hour); pushing (_<1 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (2 hours); standing (3 hours); kneeling (<1 hour).

This position will involve operating a motor vehicle (with a valid driver's license), intermittent walking, intermittent stair climbing, and light carrying under 15 pounds while working at the Medical Center, and out in the community. The ability to hear and communicate verbally with Veterans is
essential. Work will take place indoors and outdoors. The work involves working closely with others.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript (official or unofficial) must be submitted with your application. A screenshot of your classes or a copy of your diploma are not an acceptable substitute for your transcript and will not be used in qualifying.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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.

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How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • License
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

ELIGIBILITY: To demonstrate eligibility to qualify as a current federal employee, you must submit your most recent SF 50 dated 01/14/2024 or later.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • OF-306
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/10/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12462864.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
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Agency contact information

Blandine King
Address
John D Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
4646 John R Street
Detroit, MI 48201
US
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Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

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