Occupational Therapist

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: In this position the OT demonstrates skills and knowledge in techniques for applying care targeting Mental Health disorders including but not limited to: In inpatient and outpatient settings. The Organizational Location of the Position is: Program I, Mental Health Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, (VANTHCS), Dallas Texas.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026 . The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 3, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until September 30, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. The occupational therapist (OT) demonstrates their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions in multiple clinic areas within VHA that includes but not limited to: neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, hand, closed head injuries, SCI, Polytrauma, mental health and others. The OT, in this position, will develop and expand skills and knowledge in techniques for applying care targeting Mental Health disorders including but not limited to: (depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse, etc.) in inpatient and outpatient settings. In this position, the OT has a basic foundation of OT and seeks guidance from more experienced therapists, however may also generally practice independently. The incumbent may be assigned to all program areas within VHA and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services to those patients consulted through a healthcare provider and/or self-referrals. Occupational therapists' practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. He/she provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity. The OT embraces evidenced based practice standards in diagnosis, examination, management, intervention, treatment and outcome measurement. Major Duties include but are not limited to: Veterans are scheduled for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates Veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members. Recognizes the appropriateness of treatment based on indications, precautions and contraindications (e.g. pharmacological) and uses professional judgement to initiate consultation to the appropriate provider. Evaluations reflect the complexity through Occupational profile and client history; Assessments of occupational performance; Clinical decision-making and development of a patient centered plan of care. This may include but is not limited to: establishment of rehabilitation diagnosis and prognosis, function, motor and sensory skills, psychosocial needs, activities of daily living, durable medical equipment, adaptive equipment, safety and prevention. Barriers to learning are identified and strategies to overcome them are developed and implemented in the plan of care. Establishes a care plan and administers a treatment program with specific goals according to the Veteran's capacity and tolerance. Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals and timeliness for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or stakeholder input. Implements complex and innovative therapeutic techniques not limited to: Therapeutic media, lifestyle coping skills and modifications, complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), cognitive therapy and mobility training to maintain or achieve veteran's physical and/or emotional rehabilitation potential. Demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures. Pursues continuous quality improvement in the processes of patient care & inter/intra-service collaborations. Participates in Process Improvement activities related to Dallas, Mental Health, PM&R and VANTHCS. Demonstrates knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence-based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive and psychosocial functional deficits. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; (Occasional weekend coverage). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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 dentification 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.