Occupational Therapist

Summary

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. The primary responsibility of this assignment is the delivery of ethical, customer oriented, quality and specialized Occupational Therapy services in Spinal Cord Injuries/Disorders System of Care. These are complex patients with acute, sub-acute or prolonged physical and /or psychosocial dysfunction.

Duties

The Occupational Therapist independently performs a comprehensive evaluation and interpretation of the level of functions and carries out the appropriate therapy to teach new or compensating skills to optimize patient performance on his/her roles. Work is done independently, with general supervision and performance evaluated by outcomes. Duties include but are not limited to: Provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness and performance in ADL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure and social participation. Uses standard and non-standard evaluation procedures and advanced techniques to obtain information about patient's impairment, activity limitations, participation restrictions, strengths and barriers. Adapts assessment tools to the complexity of the diagnosis and identify the need for further depth specific assessment. Develops and implements independently, an individualized treatment program based on patients' goals, evaluation findings, physician recommendations, person potential to benefit and intended discharge environment. Collaborates with the treatment team by interpreting assessments predicted outcomes and rehabilitation needs for establishing or modifying treatment goals and discharge plans. Assesses educational needs of patients and caregivers and meets those considering physical/mental capabilities, cultural and behavioral variables. Orients patients and family or caregiver on assessment findings and treatment plan to involve them in the total rehabilitation management of the person. Education will be documented to keep track, and reinforce education as needed. Performs assessment for wheelchair(s) (manual, motorized and/or sports) and configuration cushion assessment and provides adequate positioning which is important in spinal cord injury person(s) served. Uses judgment knowledge and skills to provide advanced treatment modalities that may include, but not to be limited to: task-oriented activities, creative media, games, computers and vocational and/or psyco-educational exercises are used, also. Complements treatment program with the application of mobilization, sensory integration and neuro-developmental techniques. Recommends and/or fabricates and applies orthotic/prosthetic appliances, self-help devices and electronic aids to enhance daily living skills. Evaluates discharge environment (home and/or employment site) to recommend changes or modifications that will facilitate function of patient to be successful in his/her roles. Consider architectural attitudinal, communication, employment and any other barrier affecting outcomes. Re-evaluates person served at appropriate intervals and updates treatment plan and goals accordingly, to promote the skills necessary to be successful in next environment of care. Documents at the beginning, during interdisciplinary rounds and at the end of every admission. Documents in the medical record all treatments interventions, as required by policies and procedures of Service and accrediting bodies. Responsible for utilizing appropriate protective equipment when needed, observing safety measures always and participation in drills. Always enforces confidentiality of patient and employee's information. Employee meets national and agency safety/infection control standards for OSHA, CARF and TJC. Actively participates in SCI Adaptive Sports Clinic assisting in the rehabilitation of person(s) served and in the preparation for their participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Incumbent has an active relationship with the Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Attending Physicians, Resident Physicians and Staff Physicians to include open communication and participation in case discussions Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00am- 4:30pm. May include some evenings, weekends, holidays and on-call duties(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 62605F 61624F 60185F 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. 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. Spanish Proficiency 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. 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 08/21/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13024685. 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) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume 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. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Additional information

Selective Placement Factor (SPF) for locations in Puerto Rico- This position includes a skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to -and essential for- satisfactory performance of the job. Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. Evidence of the Selective Placement Factor must be reflected in your resume. The SPF for this position is: In addition to the English Language Proficiency, you must also be proficient in basic written and spoken Spanish in order to perform the duties of this position. 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.