Outpatient Occupational Therapist

Summary

The Primary Purpose of the Position: Occupational therapist may be assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services to those patients consulted through a healthcare provider and/or self-referrals. The Organizational Location of the Position: Program III, in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas Clinic. This is an open-continuous announcement, initial cut-off date of 12/09/2026.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Clinical Functions - Patient Care Performs Patient Evaluations: Veterans are scheduled for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates Veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members. Recognizes the appropriateness of treatment based on indications, precautions and contraindications (e.g. pharmacological) and uses professional judgement to initiate consultation to the appropriate provider. Evaluations reflect the complexity through Occupational profile and client history; Assessments of occupational performance; Clinical decision-making and development of a patient centered plan of care. This may include but is not limited to: establishment of rehabilitation diagnosis and prognosis, function, motor and sensory skills, psychosocial needs, activities of daily living, durable medical equipment, adaptive equipment, safety and prevention. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them are developed and implemented in the plan of care. Evaluations include medical history, results and interpretation of relevant evidence based methods and appropriate functional tests and measurementssuch as (but not limited to): range of motion, muscle strength, sensory/perceptual deficits, cognitive deficits, functional ADL's, pain, endurance, neurological deficits, personal and psychosocial factors relating to the specific rehabilitation program they serve. Routine evaluations may be conducted independently or in consultation with clinical specialist. Demonstrates the skilled ability to evaluate client factors (specific capabilities, characteristics or beliefs), performance skills (motor skills, processing skills and social interaction), performance patterns (habits, routines and roles), environment (physical & social), and context (cultural, personal, temporal and virtual), the therapist in this position demonstrates the ability to analyze Veterans occupational performance in order to target identified outcomes. Assess the patient's medical conditions, functional capabilities, limitations, restrictions and rehabilitation potential. Establishes a care plan and administers a treatment program with specific goals according to the Veteran's capacity and tolerance. Exhibits general knowledge in the selection of appropriate equipment needed to substitute for loss or limitations of function for individuals they treat. Responds to referrals by administering initial, interim, and final evaluations. Treatment Implementation: Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals and timeliness for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or stakeholder input. Implements complex and innovative therapeutic techniques not limited to: Therapeutic media, lifestyle coping skills and modifications, complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), cognitive therapy and mobility training to maintain or achieve veteran's physical and/or emotional rehabilitation potential. Independently develops and implements comprehensive and advanced therapeutic programs and techniques. Recognizes and responds to adverse reactions and emergency situations of the patient during the session and modifies the plan of care. Documents treatment progression and/or modifications accordingly. Provides the equipment, materials, instruction, encouragement, or counseling necessary to promote functional mobility and activities performance. Administration Functions: Understand and adheres to department, program, and facility procedures. Schedules Veterans for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team. Provides relief coverage, as needed, in any PM&R program in the event of shortage of staff to maintain the continuum of patient care. Participates in update of evaluation forms and protocols to adequately meet the requirements of the program and types of patients in assigned clinical setting. Demonstrates skills and knowledge to make clinical decisions and functions independently in the field. Education and Research: Identifies learning activities for self and others. Participates and contributes to the advancements of knowledge and techniques related to outpatient/inpatient management and Occupational therapy via in-services and/or may mentorship projects. Conducts in-services for interdisciplinary team and other rehabilitation programs. Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Rotates to cover weekends and holidays. This position is primarily in the Outpatient department with rotations to Inpatient as required. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 53249F, 53250F, 53147F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. HPTs: who are on track to graduate/complete the requirements should respond as if they have met the requirements. Provide details in the narrative sections of the assessment. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that ACOTE would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph 3b(2) if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph 3e of this appendix. Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. State Licensure. Candidates must possess a full, current, and unrestricted state 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. Loss o