Summary
This position is located within the Bay Pines Medical Center, a large level 1a, highly affiliated facility. It is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and limited research. Comprehensive healthcare is provided through primary care and long-term care in the areas of dentistry, extended care, medicine, neurology, oncology, pharmacy, physical medicine, psychiatry, rehabilitation and surgery.
Duties
The Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist): CLT and Fellowship Program Director) serves as the subject matter expert for the Bay Pines Healthcare System. Referrals are commonly received from Primary Care, Oncology, Podiatry, Wound care, and Women's Services. Responsible for treating all patients referred to this clinic, measure the affected extremities, recommend compression garments and establish an exercise protocol for this chronic condition. Uses evidence based practices to review incoming referrals for appropriateness and independently evaluates patient's problems to determine their occupational therapy needs through the use of standard tests and measurements adapting and modifying treatment plans to meet the needs of patients. Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application. Plans a treatment program with measurable goals, based on evaluative findings and within the boundaries of the individual prescription. Modifies the program according to changing patient needs and terminates treatment program when all goals have been met. Independently administers standard occupational therapy treatment in the specific area to which he/she is assigned but may be rotated to other clinic areas depending on staffing/patient needs. He/She will be expected to work Saturdays/Holidays on a rotational basis. Provides written and/or verbal occupational therapy treatment status and progress, treatment programs plans and patient response to treatment. Independently schedules patient visits throughout the day allowing for adequate individual treatment time as well as necessary time for conferences and any administrative tasks. Consults with patients and their families/caregivers through patient family education, training, advising them in the nature of their medical condition and by providing home programs. Performs cognitive assessments and treatments specific to identified patient population or impairment group. FELLOWSHIP DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES Spends up to 30% of time in duties related to Fellow education programs. The Director oversees compliance with the credentialing body for the Fellowship (American Occupational Therapy Association, AOTA) and consults with the PM&RS Service Chief, OT Section Chief, and Administrative Officer as needed. Responsible for coordinating the administration of clinical training programs for Fellows who rotate through all relevant Services within the Bay Pines Healthcare System. Communicates all relevant information regarding organization and management of the Fellowship Program with AOTA, Facility Education ACOS, PMR Service Chief, OT Section Chief, and staff mentors. Communicates with Fellows and Human Resources prior to Fellow arrival to make appropriate arrangements and facilitate adequate communication between Fellows and their clinical mentors across all Services. Coordinates with Physical Therapy Residency Program Director to provide reciprocal education and training opportunities. Facilitates Fellow orientation including coordination of the following: ID badge Finger printing Pre Employment Occupational Cyber security training HIPPA training Computer Access and CPRS training Assists with monitoring of Fellow progress and problem solving as needed with the Fellow and staff mentor. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: This position may be authorized for ad hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Ad hoc is defined as occasional, non-recurring telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 22132F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.
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 you will be evaluated
Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current permanent VA employees of the facility. All other VA employees. All other federal civilian service employees Veteran's Preferance U.S. Citizens 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.