Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) - Wheeled Mobility

Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) - Wheeled Mobility

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): San Antonio, Texas

Salary Range: $108001 - $140403 Per Year

Job Summary: The Wheeled Mobility clinical specialist is an advanced level practitioner with specialized knowledge and demonstrated clinical competence related to Wheeled Mobility and Seating and Positioning and has an increased depth and breadth of practice skills obtained through training and/or experience in this area. The Occupational Therapist who is responsible for independent provision of occupational therapy services at the Audie L. Murphy Campus of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.

Major Duties:

• Major Duties: Clinical: The incumbent is assigned to the PM&R service. Upon referral from a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, evaluates patients of varying complexity to determine functional status, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Referrals may be self-referred by the patient as part of a "Direct Access" program. Demonstrates the ability to conduct independent patient assessments using routine and highly specialized evaluations and diagnostic tests that are applicable to the Wheeled Mobility population. Screens and evaluates patients for appropriate referral and treatment based on ALM policies and standards, guidelines from VHA. Routinely monitors chart and queries patients regarding any changes in medical status that would impact patient's participation. Follows appropriate safety measures in completing assessments, treatment, training, and equipment/device trialing. Documents prescription of adaptive equipment to maximize function and safety. Maintains work area, equipment, and supplies in accordance with safety regulations and policies. Practices appropriate safety procedures and precautions for both patient and self when utilizing devices and equipment related to Wheeled Mobility services. Demonstrates knowledge in evaluating and treating patients who have experienced limb loss, traumatic brain injuries, neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and neurological injuries. Incumbent is responsible for comprehensive evaluations of patients for DME and orthotics. Once the evaluation is complete, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating equipment needs with the physician and Prosthetics Service. Additionally, the incumbent will train the patient on the appropriate DME required for safety and functional mobility. Demonstrates an effective working knowledge of occupational therapy interventions and treatment modalities used for veterans who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries, amputations, neurological injuries, multiple traumas or other debilitation. Utilizes 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. Has the ability to adapt assessment tools and treatment to the complexity of the diagnosis or disabilities and demonstrates the clinical reasoning necessary to identify the need for further in-depth specific assessment of function and utilization of non-standard methods and techniques. Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment available for occupational therapy treatments. Demonstrates knowledge of learning principles, behavioral interventions and innovational techniques for patient and caregiver education. Demonstrates skills in teaching body mechanics to patients and caregivers to minimize risk of injury. Communicates and works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the delivery of occupational therapy services to patients with a need for Wheeled Mobility services. Maintains the Functional Independence Measure Scale (FIM) certification, as directed by supervisor and assigned treatment area. As assigned, completes the FIM and/or other measurement scales as requested at admission and discharge. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate treatment outcomes of occupational therapy interventions. Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Administration Follows procedures consistent with STVHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations. Maintains all data for quality assurance monitoring and evaluates data at specific intervals. Maintains adequate level of supplies. Maintains equipment in safe and operable conditions through inspection and requests submission of work orders, as necessary. Other duties as assigned. Education Supervises and trains therapy students, other healthcare students and volunteers. Demonstrates the ability to teach and mentor staff in specialty area, exercise science and transfer/gait training. Provides in-services and training for occupational therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. Orients new staff members to the role of occupational therapy. Participates in accredited educational programs related to wheeled mobility to maintain credentials as a Certified Wheeled Mobility Specialist Work Schedule: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Ad-Hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications: Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below: Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that ACOTE would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. OR Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. Individuals must be a graduate of] a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph 3b(2) if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph 3e of this appendix. Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT. State Licensure. Candidates must possess a full, current, and unrestricted state license, to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: ???????Occupational Therapist [(Clinical Specialist)], GS-13 Education, Experience, and Licensure. Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level and directly related to the position being filled and one of the following: A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years; Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA; Completion of a fellowship/residency or advanced degree program in the advanced practice area; or An additional advanced degree in a related field. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice. Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners. Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization. Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization. Preferred Experience: 5+ years of OT/PT experience, independently managing a caseload 1+ years experience in a seating and mobility clinic RESNA Credentialing as Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) or NRRTS equivalent 1+ year experience of coordination of patient care with a Complex Rehabilitation Technology supplier such as National Seating & Mobility, NuMotion, Reliable Medical, etc Advanced certified with RESNA as a Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pound.

How to Apply: 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 05/04/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12944265. 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.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-04