Occupational Therapist (HBPC)

Summary

This employee provides skilled Occupational Therapy (OT) services to the Medical Center in the outpatient, inpatient, and acute rehabilitation with the primary focus on the home setting. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and patient care areas involved with the service. The incumbent operates under the direction of the HBPC Program Director/designee.

Duties

The Occupational Therapist at this grade level practices independently and is responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools. The OT at this grade level serve as OT practitioners in a career developmental position progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wide range of human function systems. The entry level therapist has a basic foundation of OT and generally practices independently and receive guidance from more experienced therapists. Develops an understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures. Serves as the HBPC Occupational Therapist and is responsible for providing comprehensive evaluation for all OT needs of HBPC and PMRS patients. This may require an: assessment of mentation relative to successful therapy participation, neuromuscular status, respiratory status, and functional capabilities. Evaluation requires an understanding of all basic underlying medical conditions and past orthopedic, cardiac, or neurological problems. Frequency, duration, and discharge planning will be addressed. Maintains and submits documentation relative to patient visits in the electronic health record. Determines attainable goals for each patient and designs the initial treatment plan. Modifications are made as the patient progresses and goals are met. Provides OT to acutely and chronically ill patients requiring ongoing assessment and frequent treatment modifications. Recommends equipment the patient will need for optimal functioning in their home environment. Attends conferences, workshops, and other continuing education programs to gain insight into therapeutic and motivational patient strategies. Attendees are expected to disseminate this learned information to appropriate staff via report; in-service or case study presentation. Provides formal and informal Nursing and support staff education including, but not limited to, proper utilization of ambulation aids, proper wheelchair seating, activities of daily living status, and range of motion. Communicate patient progress and proposed OT interventions to facilitate that progress via electronic notes, phone, or staff meetings. Is an active participant in weekly interdisciplinary HBPC team meetings. This involves providing up to-date assessments and progress toward functional goals. Assesses patient/family educational needs, abilities, and barriers to learning. From this information, the Occupational Therapist establishes appropriate educational agendas. The therapist instructs the patient and/or caregiver in therapeutic exercises, living environment safety, strategies to enhance activities of daily living (ADL) status, work simplification, and the appropriate utilization of durable medical equipment or prosthetics and related topics. Assists during emergency situations including initiating and/or assisting with basic life support/ CPR. Demonstrates Patient Centered Care (PCC) through the use of effective communication with patients, families, visitors, and members of the interdisciplinary team, including the patient in mutual goal setting, and providing patient advocacy when appropriate. Visibly demonstrates the ICARE (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence) Core Values in interactions with Veterans, staff, and other stakeholders. Additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:30PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:10251F, 10043F, 10044F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

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. What do I have to include on my resume? Your resume is how you communicate your education, skills and experience. You must show how you meet the qualifications and requirements in the job announcement. There are several things to consider when creating your resume for a federal job. Your resume must be two pages or less and explain why you are qualified for the job. Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume. Make sure your work experience addresses the requirements and qualifications in the job announcement. You should tailor your resume to include experience relevant to each job you want to apply for. Include important contact information at the top Include current contact information. Most job applications require this information: Full name Your email address Your phone number Read the job announcement carefully to make sure you have included all required contact information. Add relevant work experience. For each relevant work experience, make sure you include: Employer name Job title Start and end dates (include the month and year). The number of hours you worked per week. Brief descriptions that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. Series and grade for federal jobs only. Example: Program Analyst GS-343-11 January 2009-present 40 Hours/week Describe your experience that shows you can perform any tasks listed in the job announcement. "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]." "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]." "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]." Add your education, certificates or licensures if required Make sure you include them in your resume and provide any required documents like transcripts, certifications or licenses. 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.

Education

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/24/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13039661. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. 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 Other (1) Professional Certification Resume 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. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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.