Occupational Therapist

About the role

The Occupational Therapist (OT) position is in the section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The OT in this position will be primarily based in the Inpatient Spinal Cord (SCI) unit and may be asked to rotate to other areas of clinical or administrative need, along with working occasional weekends.

What you will do

• This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: GS-09 10776-F, GS-11 10777-F, GS-12 10778-F EDRP Authorized: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNED DUTIES INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: GS-09: This level is considered entry-level with a basic foundation of OT and generally practices independently.
• The OT may have guidance from more experienced therapists as needed while expanding the ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions.
• GS-11: This level is considered developmental and practices independently and professionally.
• The OT may have guidance from more experienced therapists for treatment of patients with higher complexity conditions as needed.
• GS-12: This level is considered a full-performance clinician who practices independently to provide comprehensive Occupational Therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity.
• The OT plans, implements, and coordinates comprehensive Occupational Therapy services for adult and geriatric veterans who have complex medical, neurological, orthopedic, and psychological disorders.
• FUNCTIONS OR SCOPES OF PRACTICE BELOW ARE AT THE FULL-PERFORMANCE GS-12 LEVEL: CLINICAL: Applies more advanced and current knowledge of OT principles and techniques, grounded in OT theory and evidence-based practice for a wide range of complex conditions.
• Evaluates patients' Occupational Profile, abilities, and functional limitations using standardized tools; develops individualized treatment plans based on evaluation findings, OT theory, and evidence-based practice; and administers appropriate Occupational Therapy programs for patients with varying degrees of complexity.
• Demonstrates a full professional understanding of OT treatment theories and their appropriate application using activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frames of reference, and therapeutic procedures.
• Modifies and progresses interventions in response to subtle changes in patient status, comorbidities, and psychosocial factors.
• Documents initial plan, interim progress, and final summaries in patient's electronic record in a timely manner.
• Re-evaluates and modifies the treatment plan as needed to achieve targeted outcomes.
• Frequently responsible for triaging or screening consults, determining appropriateness and priority of OT referral for complex presentations, and coordinating care across services.
• EDUCATIONAL: Trains Occupational Therapy trainees independently.
• Assists in development and upgrading of training program content.
• Independently plans and tailors education to veteran and family needs.
• Provides structured teaching to students and team members on OT topics and training.
• Provides education and training to family members and caregivers regarding the patient's functional status, performance of ADLs, and operation and maintenance of equipment.
• ADMINISTRATIVE: Maintains patient attendance records and other statistics required by department.
• Completes and maintains record keeping in accordance with PM&R, VAPAHCS, VACO and VHA policies, procedures and guidelines regarding timeliness.
• Completes and submits reports as requested.
• Shares responsibility for clinical environment and maintenance.
• Writes work orders as necessary to maintain environment of care.
• Submits requests for clinical supplies and materials and ensures proper supply levels are maintained for patient treatment.
• Makes suggestions for major equipment purchases for the department.
• Develops forms for treatment guidelines, data collection, or patient education.
• Schedules/organizes patient visits to ensure adequate time for treatment, taking into consideration priority and frequency of care and coordinating with other members of the health care team.
• Complies with OT stocked prosthetics and logistics equipment process and maintains inventory levels accordingly.
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This work involves standing and walking for about 50% of a normal workday.
• In addition, the Occupational Therapist must be able to squat, kneel, push, pull, and lift loads from the ground and from above shoulder height.
• The physical demand level as defined by the Department of Labor is "medium," requiring the occasional lifting of 20-50lbs, the frequent lifting of 10- 25 lbs, and the constant lifting of 10lbs during the normal workday.
• Occupational Therapy requires manual dexterity and coordination to use computers and computer programs, administer physical agent modalities (if appropriate), fabricate/modify splints, and to demonstrate the use of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.
• Additionally, the Occupational Therapist must be able to modify such equipment using tools (i.e., scissors, exacto knives, wrenches and/or screwdrivers).

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

*Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements if they have a current, full, active, and unrestricted 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.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

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.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please 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 Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Professional Certification 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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What to expect next

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.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.