Occupational Therapist

The Staff Occupational Therapist, Outpatient Occupational Therapist is in the O.T. Department of the PM&R in the Western Colorado Health Care System. The Occupational Therapist provides direct patient care, and effective case management of Occupational Therapy patients in outpatient locations at the Western Colorado Health Care System. WCHCS is a level 3 complexity facility, with intermediate surgical complexity status, a Polytrauma Point of Contact site and is an Amputation Clinic Team site.

Staff Occupational Therapist. Provides direct patient care and effective case management of Occupational Therapy patients for in-patient and outpatient services, as well as Home Safety Evaluations. Actively participates as a member of interdisciplinary outpatient care coordination team. Coordinates PM&R focused in-service training opportunities for PM&R and the facility as a whole. Coordinates additional staffing based on outpatient census. Acts as a subject matter expert regarding Outpatient Occupational Therapy services, and mentors other staff as appropriate. Travels to patient homes to perform home safety evaluations using government furnished vehicle. Performs comprehensive patient evaluations: Primary patient care responsibilities will be outpatient and inpatient Occupational Therapy intervention. Patients are scheduled for evaluation and follow up appointments in such a manner as to not negatively impact other clinical staff yet meet the patient's needs. Patient medical records are reviewed to assess appropriateness of Occupational Therapy intervention, note any potential risks or contraindications to treatment and to assist in guiding the evaluation process. Evaluations include medical history, results, and interpretation of appropriate functional tests and measurements such as: range of motion, muscle strength, sensory/perceptual deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, and social needs. Evaluations address rehabilitation potential, behavior, motor skills, and psychosocial development at an age appropriate level. Knowledge of physical, occupational cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits. Responsible for providing comprehensive patient care for O.T. patients. Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals, and timelines for completion. Use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of patients. Modifies treatment plan according to patient response to best meet established goals. Demonstrates a full professional understanding of the theories or treatment of Occupational Therapy and their proper application using therapeutic physical rehabilitation and reconditioning procedures. Recognizes adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Ensures appropriate patient referrals and discharges, coordinating referrals as needed. Updates FIM/FSOD database when covering CLC as well as monitoring updating MDS requirements. Administrative Functions Provides and contributes to the advancement of knowledge and techniques related to Occupational Therapy and other related topics. Identifies, collects, and analyzes appropriate patient care information to provide a database for performance improvement activities within the VA system. Investigates current concepts and scientific principles in Occupational Therapy practice through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance at continuing education courses and conferences. Consults with staff and physicians through patient presentations, attendance at interdisciplinary patient care conferences and/or specialty clinics. Coordinates needs related to Occupational Therapy. Responsible as a trusted liaison to the Supervisor of PM&R, advocating for appropriate patient care, and assisting the Supervisor of PM&R in monitoring continuity of care related to PM&R disciplines. Reports any concerns about veteran care through the appropriate channels. Assist in the development of new treatment programs, techniques, or refinements of current programs as directed by the outpatient therapy supervisor. Provides open communication with patients, families, Medical Center staff and others. Seeks clarification, listens, and conveys information clearly, in written and verbal forms. Investigates and responds appropriately to all complaints and takes effective corrective action when necessary. Demonstrates the ability to identify and resolve interpersonal or professional conflicts when dealing with patients and members of the organization. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and a positive approach to communication and interaction with other employees, visitors, physicians, and the public. Presents the Program, Service, and Medical Center in a positive manner. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Ad-Hoc may be approved. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 524920A, 52491A, 52492A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. 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.