Summary

The mission of the Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Occupational Therapist is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our nation's Veterans - through education - resources - support - and services. Under the VA MISSION Act - VA is significantly expanding services and supports provided to family caregivers of Veterans of all eras.

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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Education
• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements below possessing a degree from an approved program by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or predecessor organizations
• This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the education institution)
• A Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two years of experience as an occupational therapist A Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two full years of graduate education in a related field A Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy Certification
• Applicants must possess written documentation indicating successful completion and passing of the entry-level certification examination for OTs which is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Licensure
• Applicants must hold a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice Occupational Therapy in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or the District of Columbia
• GS-12 Grade Requirements Experience: Applicants must have successful completion of one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade at the GS-11 and directly related to the position being filled
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
• Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders
• 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
• Skill in procuring - fabricating - adjusting - adapting - and modifying orthoses - splints - and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment)
• Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training
• 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)
• Preferred Experience: Working with geriatric population - with emphasis on assessing clinical and functional needs
• Experience with community nursing homes and respite services
• Experience in conducting home based assessments - home visits - and work in community
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G14- Occupational Therapist Qualification Standard
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing - walking - bending - twisting - and carrying light items.

Duties

• Serves as a core member of the NMVAHCS interdisciplinary Caregiver Support team
• The interdisciplinary team is responsible for reviewing and monitoring Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) cases and providing information to the VISN Centralized Eligibility & Appeals Team (CEAT) regarding admission - ongoing level of care adjustments - and discharge appropriateness
• Requires knowledge of the services and benefits available for caregivers from both federal - state and private sector resources but the statute - regulations - and policy that govern the program
• The incumbent must be sensitive to the issues and needs of Veterans and their families
• Serves as the Caregiver Support Program (CSP) Occupational Therapist assigned to the PCAFC within the CSP - which provides a state-of-the-art continuum of services - education and resources to caregivers of Veterans - as a member of the CSP interdisciplinary team
• Advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues
• Creates educational tools - develops programs in coordination with CSP Manager - and delivers training focused on specific caregiver needs/issues
• In consultation with CSP Manager - provides education and in-service training to VAMC employees - Veterans - families and caregivers
• Provides ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding caregiver support
• Collaborates with CSP Manager and CSP staff on developing and facilitating caregiver support groups (face-to-face and virtual) and educational programs
• Distributes educational materials provided by VA - local - state and national caregiver organizations
• Supervises occupational therapy students and health profession trainees as assigned
• Provides clinical evidence-based services and interventions
• provide caregiver - Veteran and staff education on caregiver issues
• engage in community outreach and resource development
• continuous quality-improvement activities - and evaluation/consultation
• Assess Veterans needs for personal care services - particularly Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - supervision - protection - or instruction - working closely with the Caregiver Support Program Manager and/or designee(s) - to complete Veteran functional assessments and re-assessments
• The incumbent will also assist other program staff in providing clinical services - completing notes and gathering/monitoring data related to the day-to-day functioning and evaluation of the program
• Conducts initial home assessments as part of the application or reassessment process for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
• The purpose of these home visits is to assess for functional and mobility needs and safety as well as to assess need for personal care services using standardized assessments--which will assist the Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Teams (CEAT) in determining eligibility
• The Clinical Assessor will also conduct ongoing wellness contacts via phone - electronic means - and in-home wellness visits
• Face to face visits - in-home visits - and travel through the Raymond G
• Murphy VAMC Catchment area is required
• Incumbent must possess a valid driver's license and complete all necessary trainings to operate a government vehicle
• Participates in face-to-face - virtual - and phone contact with the caregiver and Veteran to assess function and the need for personal care services - and as needed - the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 08:00 a.m
• to 4:30 p.m
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized