Supervisory Occupational Therapist - Associate Chief of PMRS

Duties include but are not limited to: Assists the Chief in the direction, coordination, and oversight of all administrative and clinical inpatient and outpatient operations within PMRS, including programs in audiology, speech pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, music therapy, kinesiotherapy, PM&R physician clinics, and other ancillary/support services.

Collaborates on establishing departmental priorities consistent with facility, VISN, and national VHA goals; supports integration of evidence-based practices. Contributes to the development, implementation, and revision of policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure safe, high-quality patient care and compliance.

Provides direct patient care as a licensed Occupational Therapist to maintain advanced clinical skills and licensure, in accordance with VA requirements.

Performs comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations for Veterans across the lifespan with disabilities or impairments related to physical, cognitive, psychosocial, or developmental conditions, with a focus on improving independence, safety, and quality of life in meaningful daily activities (occupations).

Continuously monitors and documents patient progress, evaluating functional outcomes, updating goals and interventions as medically necessary, and ensuring compliance with all documentation requirements (VA policy, accreditation standards, and best clinical practices).

Offers clinical consultation, mentorship, and specialty knowledge to other rehabilitation professionals, medical staff, and trainees regarding complex or challenging occupational therapy/rehabilitation cases.

Serves as a clinical instructor or preceptor for occupational therapy students, fieldwork interns, and staff, and participates in professional in-service education. Assists in developing/tracking clinical, operational, and financial metrics; supports corrective actions to improve quality, safety, efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction.

Collaborates with facility practice managers and other service leaders to coordinate PMRS interests and activities, maximizing performance in relation to VHA and facility metrics. Participates in recruitment strategies and onboarding of new staff; assists with mentorship and career development efforts to promote retention.

Provides direct supervision to assigned PMRS staff, including subordinate supervisors, clinicians, technical, and administrative personnel, as delegated by the Chief. Executes personnel actions and manages reasonable accommodations, disciplinary actions, and resolves staff complaints in accordance with law, policy, and union agreements.

Facilitates or leads education regarding new technologies, clinical practices, compliance, and policy changes. Ensures adequate coverage and timecard certification in accordance with VHA/facility policies. Fosters a respectful, non-discriminatory workplace, ensures staff awareness of related rights/obligations.

Ensures PMRS provides timely, effective, and courteous service to Veterans, family members, and VA colleagues. Aids the Chief in preparing, monitoring, and managing the PMRS operating budget, including labor, supplies, equipment, and contract services.

Serving as a member and/or chair of facility or VISN committees as delegated by the Chief; or represents PMRS on programs, workgroups, or committees. Collaborates with clinical and administrative services to enhance patient flow, care transitions, and cross-service initiatives. Notifies Chief of reportable events or circumstances.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:45am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education and/or Experience. (1) 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. Education and/or Experience. (2) 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. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

NOTE: Your resume must include job title, duties listed for each position, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Supervisory Occupational Therapist, GS-14: Experience.

You must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-13, and directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of evidence-based practices and clinical practice guidelines in multiple professional areas to use these resources to guide the program staff in providing clinically appropriate treatment interventions.

Skill in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution in dealing with a diverse range of employees, team leaders, and administrators. Ability to manage resources for a large, integrated service including not only occupational therapy, but also other focused rehabilitation, ancillary, or other health care services.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse group of professional staff. Ability to translate extensive rehabilitation knowledge into cogent and useful policy in complex facilities and/or across multiple sites.

Skill in providing clinical and administrative oversight and supervision of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs in complex facilities and/or across multiple sites.

Ability to collaborate with strategic planning committees at local, VISN or national levels for new ventures addressing patient care delivery systems, facilities management, and system reorganizations. Preferred Experience: 3 years of Supervisory experience.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-14. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-14. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.