Qualifications

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:

• 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: Successful completion of an associate degree in occupational therapy from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• Certification
• OTAs must have written documentation that they have passed the entry-level certification examination for OTAs administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Licensure
• OTAs must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e
• Puerto Rico) or in the District of Columbia
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency: OTAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2
• section D, paragraph 5a, this part
• 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: Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
• Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-06 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-05.In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practice
• Knowledge of basic group techniques and interpersonal communication
• Skill in written communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education
• Skill in oral communication to document data, progress/change in status, discharge status, and patient or caregiver education
• Ability to assist in the development of treatment goals/objectives
• Ability to implement a patient care plan incorporating activity analysis theory
• Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-07 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-06.In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in promoting occupational therapy services effectively, providing training and interventions within the assigned areas
• Ability to perform in depth chart review to identify treatment goals and implement treatment plans
• Ability to use problem-solving skills when providing therapeutic interventions for patients
• Ability to provide multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers and other health care professionals adapting instructions to meet the learning needs of the individual
• Occupational Therapy Assistant GS-08 Experience: One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-07.In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to implement delegated assessments.(b) Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance
• Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status
• Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities
• Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment
• Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the occupational therapy scope of practice and services
• Preferred Experience: Outpatient and Inpatient (Acute Care, Long Term Care and Mental Health) experience is highly preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-08
• Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019
• This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health
• This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, hands and legs, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking & standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing and able to hear whisper
• The incumbent must be physically, emotionally and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.