Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist – Driver's Training Specialist) – 2 Locations

Gainesville, Florida, Florida, The Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist – Driver’s Training Specialist) is responsible for completing evaluation/treatment in a comprehensive driving program. This will include both simulated driving and on-the-road driving experiences for Veterans across the NF/SG VAHS. In addition, the incumbent will assist with identifying/procuring appropriate assistive technologies/training with these devices, and perform OT assessments/treatments outside of the driving program responsibilities. 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: 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). Education and/or Experience.

The individual must meet at least one of the following 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 PLEASE NOTE: 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 http://Schools – ACOTE (acoteonline. org)or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P. O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220.

Certification. Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an OT. State Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master’s degree level. English Language Proficiency. Occupational Therapists must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U. S. C. § 7403(f). GRADE REQUIREMENTS In addition to the Basic Requirements provided in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G14, paragraph 4, of the Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard GS-00631 Veterans Health Administration, the following are the grade requirements.

Grade Determinations for Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist), GS-13: 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 -AND- one (1) of the following: A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years; -OR- Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA; -OR- Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area; -OR- An additional advanced degree in a related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice. [Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners. Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization. Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization Assignment. Clinical OT specialists at this grade level serve as subject matter experts and as consultants to occupational therapists and other medical center staff in evaluating and treating patients in the areas of occupational therapy that are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy.

This individual must demonstrate skills and techniques for a specific patient population that has highly complex occupational and/or psychosocial impairments. Clinical OT specialist may initiate, lead, and support research projects related to clinical needs. This may include grant writing, guiding others in the process, and direct clinical participation in research. References: VA Handbook 5005/127 Part II Appendix G14 Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard. Preferred Experience: Applicant should have 2000 hours of clinical experience in drivers training including simulator and behind the wheel. A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist certification is strongly recommended. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. 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 colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental and emotional stability. [“The Occupational Therapist (OT) – Drivers Rehab Specialist develops and implements the occupational therapy program for patients with a variety of complex impairments affecting mobility and driving. Incumbent is the subject matter expert in the therapeutic use of occupational therapy for driving. Incumbent is utilized as a consultant by OT staff, OT field work students, Medical Center staff and physicians in evaluation and treatment of patients with driving issues. Incumbent manages a patient population encompassing the adult through geriatric phase of life. Primary responsibility is to the OT population with physical disabilities. A portion of the case load may be general OT for upper extremity not requiring specialist knowledge.

May see patients with complex mobility issues and mobility in a mobility device and drivers rehab are integrally linked. Typically the therapist will be able to see patients with complex mobility, may develop quotes for power chairs that will fit in patients vehicle. May be involved in complex durable medical equipment (DME) issuance and home improvement and structural alterations (HISA) process as part of treating the whole patient. Will be involved in covering other areas as needed on a rare basis. For example, inpatients depending on location assignment and rare weekend coverage. Ability to provide guidance and mentoring of the advance practice to less seasoned OTs. Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluating such as hand controls, pressure mapping, technology and communication. Skill on developing protocols and procedures of evaluation and interventions and focus on maximizing positive outcomes. Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as a subject matter expert to physicians, residents and staff, as well as, other health care specialists in matters concerning occupational therapy management Drivers rehab. Makes self-available to providers throughout NF/SG VAHS specifically Primary Care, Neurology, and Physiatry as it relates to driving privileges.

Evaluates a variety of patients as appropriate for their diagnoses to determine current levels of functioning. Evaluations may cover the following areas: activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perception, cognition, vocational and a-vocational aptitudes. Evaluations take into account the patient’s lifestyle, culture, social support system, the patient’s military, work and leisure history and limitations and abilities related to the patient’s age. Based on evaluations, and planning with patient and significant others (when appropriate), and coordination with the multidisciplinary team, establishes treatment goals and eventual discharge plan. Has advanced knowledge of Drivers Rehabilitation. Maintains wide educational base in Drivers rehab technology and keeps abreast of new technology. Responsible for management of more complex cases, effectively and independently develops, implements and modifies the OT treatment plan. Develops and carries out occupational therapy treatment plans with individuals or groups of patients to meet individual rehabilitation objectives. Treatment may include: functional activities which have as their goal the improvement of patient’s activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perceptive and/or cognitive status. Treatment may involve the prescription, fabrication and training in the use of splints, adaptive equipment and assistive technology.

The therapist initiates the ordering, delivery and training in the use of patient specific adaptive equipment in a timely, efficient and accurate manner. This requires that the therapist be familiar with all internal and external processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment, including national VA regulations (The “Prosthetic Handbook”), and be familiar with available technology and equipment. Orients patients, families, residents, allied health personnel, students, and volunteers to the purpose and function of occupational therapy. Participates in occupational therapy student training programs, within scope of experience. Receives guidance from the OT Supervisor. Attends and participates in section in-services, medical center educational offerings, professional conferences and workshops. Remains abreast of frequently changing VA-related guidelines in the environment of care and safety. Responsible for development and maintenance of Occupational Therapy treatment protocols related to Practice area in the Outpatient Setting. Serves as consultant for Occupational Therapy protocols for hand therapy specific issues in the acute and extended care settings as needed. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #:51937F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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