Occupational Therapist

Summary

The Occupational Therapist focuses primarily on those individuals whose actual or potential impairment is related to the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular pulmonary, neurological, psychiatric systems; on methods to evaluate the functions of these systems; and on the selection and application of appropriate therapeutic procedures to maintain, improve, or restore functional abilities.

Duties

The Occupational Therapist at this level is an independent practice professional who is responsible for evaluating patients and establishing and executing interventional treatment plans that include a full range of treatment procedures and modalities. The duties of the Occupational Therapist include but are not limited to the following: Clinical 1. Independently evaluate patients using standard and non-standard techniques to identify specific Occupational Therapy treatment problems. 2. Independently perform tests and measurements of the patient's condition and interprets results of tests and measurements of the patient's condition for use in establishing a diagnosis within the scope of occupational therapy, developing the treatment plan, modifying the treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment. 3. Establishes short term and long-term Occupational Therapy clinically appropriate patient treatment goals and implement treatment programs to meet these goals. 4. Frequently assesses the patient's progress toward Occupational Therapy treatment goals: modifying the goals and treatment program as indicated. 5. Monitors patient's emergency medical needs; intolerance to treatment; changes in patient's physical/mental status; and takes appropriate action as necessary. 6. Documents and otherwise communicates results of evaluation and treatment according to OT Clinical Competency Review Criteria. 7. Participates and actively represents Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service as a liaison in ward rounds, patient planning conferences, discharge planning conferences, specialty clinics and assigned medical or departmental meetings. 8. Maintains current knowledge and understanding of all patient care Occupational Therapy treatment equipment in the department its use and contraindications. 9. Recognizes diversity among patients/staff and demonstrates sensitivity to cultural, age, gender, and people with disabilities. 10. Provides patient care/support that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of the patient group served. Interact with people at all age levels ranging from adolescents through geriatric and must be aware of and respond appropriately to the physical, social, and psychological differences among these groups. 11. Recommends referral of patients to other services or programs when appropriate. 12. Provides instruction in the care and use of assistive devices, adaptive equipment, orthotic devices, and prosthesis. Fabricates such items as feasible. 13. Utilizes appropriate occupational therapy modalities using exercise, massage, heat or cold, air, light, water, electricity, or sound for the purpose of correcting or alleviating any physical or mental condition, or the purpose of preventing the development of any physical or mental disability, or the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition. 14. Independently solves problems not covered by standard procedures, adapts, and modifies treatment plans, activities, and procedures without supervisory guidance to meet complex and challenging needs of the patients. Administrative- 1. Maintains and promptly submits statistical reports as scheduled. 2. Identifies and corrects, if possible, any safety hazards and reports equipment malfunctions. 3. Maintains supplies at effective level for treatment and ensures their appropriate use. 4. Maintains knowledge of and acts within occupational therapy scope of practice and the current policies and procedures of the department and hospital. 5. Maintains effective communication with patients, families, and other health care professionals to enhance patient care. 6. Recommends additions to departmental equipment and Occupational Therapy treatment programs. 7. Supervises and guides non-licensed staff involved In Occupational Therapy treatment to maintain overall responsibility of treatment. 8. Manages effective use of time/schedules for Occupational Therapy. 9. Assures that documentation supports ICD-10 and CPT codes utilized to capture workload and for billing purposes. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with occasional weekends and holidays (Subject to change based on the needs of the service). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-01522-F/01523-F/01524-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 (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. 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. Area of consideration - 1. Current permanent Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System employees; 2. Current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees; 3. Current permanent VA Nationwide employees; 4. current permanent Federal employees of other Agencies 5. Current/past Health Professional Trainees (HPTs) - if applicable; and 6. All other applicants based on Veterans' Preference Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position: 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.

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 08/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13046032. 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 Transcript 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. SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. 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 (VA) License CV/Resume Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume 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. 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.