Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

JobSummary

Incumbent is assigned to the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. Incumbent is a treatment specialist in DRIVER Rehabilitation and will provide advanced evaluation and treatment for Veterans with physical, cognitive, and visual impairments affecting driving ability. Conducts clinical and on-road assessments, develops treatment plans, recommends adaptive equipment, and provides consultation to support safe community mobility and independence.

LowGrade

13

HighGrade

13

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

Veterans Health Administration

OrganizationCodes

VA/VATA

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• fed-competitive
• fed-excepted
• public
• vet
• fed-internal-search

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

1

AgencyMarketingStatement

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

TravelCode

0

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

• Duties include but are not limited to the following: Driver Rehab incumbent will be a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS), certified through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation (ADED). incumbent will spend direct patient care in Driver Rehabilitation greater than 50% of their time working in this area. Provide coverage to any/all locations program areas that are covered by the PM&RS line. Serves as a consultant for all health care providers regarding DRIVER OT and rehabilitation. Educates, orients, mentors therapy staff, Residents, Fellows, HPT, nurses, and other clinical staff regarding OT in general and specifically, as it relates to DRIVER mgmt. Participates as a valuable member of the interdisciplinary DRIVER team. Guides the work of this team regarding goal planning and discharge planning needs. Reviews and updates DRIVER protocols, policy, and program at the VASTLHCS. Provides evaluations and treatments that are in alignment with clinical practice guidelines and treatment for DRIVER care Participates in communication with community care providers to optimize the care of veterans. Plans, implements, and reports on performance improvement activities related to Choose an item. Occupational Therapy services. Serves as subject matter expert (SME) for Driver modalities and equipment, as it relates to DRIVER mgmt. a. Driver Rehab: Collaborates with local, and regional universities, in the area of Driver OT rehabilitation. Performs complex Occupational Therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 20-85+ years old. Utilizes standardized, and non-standardized assessments, and compiles overall Occupational Health Information, concerning patient's social, physical, psychological and vocation status to determine a patient-centric treatment plan Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting. . Consultant to the Major Medical Equipment committee, in the area of DRIVER OT rehabilitation, if/when medically indicated. Plans and carries out the full range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex, and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge in the area of DRIVER OT. Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill, or who have a combination of severe mental/emotional or physical disabilities. Assesses for and requests prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and can make modifications as necessary. Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of patients. Recognizes when to refer conditions outside the scope of OT practice, to the appropriate medical provider. Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the Occupational Therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility. Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted OT practice, policies, and procedures. Assists in the care of patients other than those of the specialized area DRIVER rehab as caseload permits, or as the needs of the department dictate. Float to other areas of clinical practice as needed to maintain staffing throughout the department. Actively participates in his/her own professional development maintaining an appropriate level of education as required by Professional State Licensure for Occupational Therapy, NBCOT and the AOTA. Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for Occupational Therapy students. Provides necessary guidance, direction, and supervision to HPT, Occupational Therapy Fellows and/or students, volunteers, and/or CWT workers assigned to the PM&R clinic. Serves as a resource clinician, to the community and VISN 15, in matters relating to DRIVER OT. Over-sees the day-to day operation of the clinic area to which assigned. T Consultant to the Major Medical Equipment committee, in area of DRIVER rehabilitation, if/when medically indicated. Compiles and submits statistical data, reports and quality assurance findings to document program effectiveness, caseload, and attendance. Assists in the maintenance of the clinic and exhibits good safety practices following proper safety policies and procedures per VA, Joint Commission, CARF, OSHA, etc. for infection control, equipment etc. Monitors and manages inventory, equipment and supply needs for treatment, and informs appropriate staff if needs arise. Additional duties, as needed Work Schedule: 800am - 4:30pm, M-F, Weekend/Holiday Rotations Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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/.

Requirements

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 dentification 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. Must have an unrestricted Driver's License, minimum Class D. 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.

Evaluations

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. 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. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies. All other applicants. Note: Veteran's Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal agencies.

HowToApply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/24/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12931267. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

WhatToExpectNext

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: License Resume Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field. Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Resume Certification of Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (e.g., ADED or CDRS) Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OtherInformation

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

02

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

Harold.Gotsch@va.gov

AgencyContactPhone

(314) 643-7995

SecurityClearance

Not Required

DrugTestRequired

False

PositionSensitivitiy

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

AdjudicationType

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness