The Supervisor of the Occupational Therapy Department located within the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service is charged with responsibility for a range of clinical and administrative functions in the areas of clinical therapy delivery, information, education, screening/disposition of routine clinical operational matters, performance metrics analyses, activities and reports that map and parameterize Occupational Therapy operational achievements. 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: 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. 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 Association. 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-13 Supervisory Occupational Therapist 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions. (b) Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality performance, and productivity within the service. (c) Skill in dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers to include conflict resolution. (d) Ability to utilize evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in a professional area and to guide the staff in applying these tools. Assignment. Supervisory OTs at this level are generally found at complex facilities. The supervisory occupational therapist is responsible for the supervision, administrative management and direction of the occupational therapy program in an OT section or equivalent work group. They have oversight for planning and directing the staff assignments in a variety of clinical settings. The supervisory OT provides a Veteran/client centered environment while enhancing staff engagement. Typical duties include: assigning work; monitoring clinical performance; resolving staff conflicts; identifying continuing education and training needs; and preparing performance standards and ratings. They interview candidates for positions; recommend appointments, advancements, or when appropriate, disciplinary actions; administer leave; and coordinate staffing needs. Supervisory OTs may provide occupational therapy and have capacity to care for more complex patients. They develop/initiate new treatment programs which integrate outcomes and advancements in practice from current research findings. The supervisory OT serves as an instructor in the facility's in-service clinical training program. They serve as an advocate and resource consultant to the therapy staff and facility-at large through communication with other departments, physicians, external agencies and other groups regarding programs and operation of the occupational therapy section. Preferred Experience: 5 years of Supervisory experience References: VA Handbook 5005/127 PART II APPENDIX G14 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing, walking, kneeling, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting 15-44 lbs., and twisting. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Operation of a motor vehicle is required. ["This position serves as a Supervisory Occupational Therapist, in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service located in Nashville, TN. The Supervisory Occupational Therapist possess professional knowledge of applied sciences in anatomy, physiology, physiology of exercise, neuroanatomy, therapeutics, analysis of human movement, healing process, abnormal psychology, physical tests and measurements, quality management and the provision of prosthetic/orthotic devices, and durable medical equipment to provide safe and effective rehabilitative interventions and program evaluations relative to the work of the service. Working knowledge of TVHS policies/procedures and the utilization of programs/services represented within TVHS as they impact PM&RS. The Supervisory Occupational Therapist is responsible for occupational therapy programs at the campus to which the incumbent is assigned and for the OTs at the same campus as the incumbent. The incumbent is charged with responsibility for a range of clinical and administrative functions in the areas of clinical therapy delivery, information, education, screening/disposition of routine clinical operational matters, performance metrics analyses, activities and reports that map and parameterize Occupational Therapy operational achievements. The SOT work is performed in a regional acute care, rapid patient turnover facility serving a complex patient population, both inpatient and outpatient, acute and chronic as well as patients receiving mental health care, rehabilitation and long-term care. The SOT may be required to travel in a government vehicle to patient's home for completion of home evaluation and/or determination of self-care needs in the home setting up to 60 minutes away. Incumbent may provide telehealth or virtual care visits from the facility. The SOT provides occupational therapy during direct patient contact which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult patient. The SOT prepares annual evaluations of therapists under his/her direct supervision and reviews evaluations prepared by the subordinate supervisor. Incumbent is the primary signing authority for the occupational therapy timecards in the timekeeping system. The incumbent reviews the workload and measure the productivity of occupational therapy staff and develop plans for the most effective utilization of resources. The SOT initiates personnel actions and is responsible for personnel management within occupational therapy. The SOT maintains contact with affiliated educational institutions to ensure adherence to agreements for clinical training of students from health-related professions. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:70326-Supervisory Occupational Therapist Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
