Occupational Therapist

Job Title

Clinical Occupational Therapist

Major Duties

Clinical: Candidates must be licensed for assignment at this grade level and are considered to be at the full performance level. They are assigned to all program areas which are covered by the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services in the assigned area(s). OTs at this level may be given general assignments in any occupational therapy program area where advanced, specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area or may serve as the sole OT at a less complex facility. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of duty time).

1. Upon referral from a physician (or self-referral in a direct access system), evaluates patients in complex cases to determine functional status, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the deliver of occupational therapy services to patients who have experienced musculoskeletal injuries, neurological injuries, and trauma.
2. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in a range of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice.
3. Demonstrates an effective working knowledge of occupational therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the clinical setting for veterans who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries, neurological injuries, and multiple traumas. Independently plans and develops comprehensive occupational therapy programs to meet patients' needs.
4. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in evaluating and treating patients who has experienced limb loss, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, neurological injury, and neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Demonstrates skills in performing and interpreting specialized evaluation procedures and tests.
5. Incumbent is responsible for comprehensive evaluations of patients for durable medical equipment and orthotics including procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of DME, bracing, and other adaptive equipment). Once the evaluation is complete, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating equipment need with the physician and prosthetics department. Additionally, the incumbent will train the patient on the required DME for safety and functional mobility.
6. Utilizes critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complete problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the patients.
7. Reviews occupational therapy documentation of initial findings, treatment goals estimated length of treatment, equipment recommendations, interim progress, and discharge summary in patients' medical records.
8. Communicates effectively with occupational therapy and medical center staff.
9. Works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care.
10. Participates in conferences and assigned medical meetings.
11. Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment in the Occupational Therapy Clinic.
12. Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Administration:

1. Assigns and evaluates work of subordinate staff as assigned.
2. Maintains attendance records and submits monthly reports and statistics.
3. Maintains procedures consistent with STVHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations.
4. Maintains all data for quality assurance monitoring and evaluates data at specific intervals.
5. Maintains adequate level of supplies.
6. Maintains equipment in safe and operable condition through inspection and submission of work orders, as necessary.
7. Other duties as assigned.

Education:

1. Supervises and trains occupational therapy students and volunteers. If assigned, acts as clinical education coordinator for the HCBC Section.
2. Provides in-services training for therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. Orients Visitors and Volunteers to the role of occupational therapy.
3. Maintains professional state license and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy competency through continuing education with completion in each biennium of 3.0 Continuing Competency Units (CCU's).

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Telework: Ad-Hoc only

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 55518-F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized