Occupational Therapist

This position is located in the Physical Rehabilitation Services Department at the Gallup Indian Medical Center, Gallup, NM. The primary purpose of the position is to provide professional occupational therapy evaluation and treatment, including advanced rehabilitation and upper-extremity services, to eligible inpatients and outpatients across the lifespan as the developmental level of a career ladder. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations and provide individualized treatment to improve patients' activities of daily living, mobility, strength, coordination, cognition, endurance, and overall functional independence. Evaluate and treat upper-extremity, hand, wrist, and elbow conditions, including post-operative and musculoskeletal injuries, while designing, fitting, and modifying custom orthoses and recommending adaptive equipment. Establish individualized short- and long-term goals, determine treatment frequency and duration, monitor patient progress, modify interventions as needed, and make appropriate discharge or referral recommendations. Collaborate with physicians, nurses, rehabilitation staff, patients, families, and other healthcare professionals while providing education on home programs, adaptive techniques, activity modification, precautions, and safe functional progression. Maintain accurate clinical documentation, provide guidance to therapy staff and students, participate in quality improvement and interdisciplinary activities, maintain professional credentials and competencies, and assist with equipment, supplies, and operational needs. IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.