Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Department of Veterans Affairs
New Orleans, Louisiana
Full Time

Email Address

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Summary

The primary functions of this position will be to provide direct care in all occupational therapy clinics and serve as a subject matter expert in Neurologic therapy. The Immediate Supervisor is the Supervisory Occupational Therapist in respect to both administrative and clinical duties. This grade level is beyond the full performance level for an occupational therapist.

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Overview

Accepting applications
Open & closing dates

06/27/2025 to 07/01/2025

Salary

$115,322 - $149,921 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 13

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

New Orleans, LA 1 vacancy
Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)
0631 Occupational Therapist
Supervisory status

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing
Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Yes

Announcement number

CBST-12755557-25-CT

Control number

839591200

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This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to current permanent "Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System" Employees including satellites.

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Duties

*If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply CBST-12740477-25-CT

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major duties of the Occupational Therapist (Clinical Specialist) include, but are not limited to:

Is viewed as a clinician, whose skills are well beyond entry-level competence, demonstrating the ability to perform with a high degree of autonomy inpatient care and exercising independent problem- solving skills.
Reviews and interprets physician's orders for accuracy/appropriateness. Reviews patient medical records and contacts physicians to make authorized changes as required.
Develops complex occupational therapy treatment plans for a variety of medical and surgical problems.
Utilizes a variety of standard and nonstandard methods and techniques for obtaining an accurate patient database. Interprets a wide variety of patient test results.
Assists in developing fieldwork experiences to enhance students' understanding of occupational therapy. Arranges and serves as an instructor for staff in-service training programs.
Develops occupational therapy patient education materials, handouts and forms related to physical therapy. Identifies continuing education needs and pursues continuing education which will further enhance skill level in occupational therapy.
Provides additional training for both occupational therapy staff and other disciplines based on their advanced educational degree (Certifications, MS, or other degrees).
The OT/CS spends the majority of his/her time working in a specialty content area providing independent examination in this environment. In this function, the OT/CS reports to the Supervisor of Occupational Therapy Department or Rehab Coordinator who provides clinical oversight and administrative support with consultation of the Chief of PM&R.
Maintains all written reports and clinical records. c. Informs the supervisor of equipment malfunction, equipment and supply needs.
Prepares special reports, in-service programs, participates in special occupational therapy projects.
Performs ongoing data collection for quality assessment activities. Assists supervisor in identifying appropriate opportunities for improvement.
Functions with consult management, scheduling and compliance adhering to all security and privacy regulations.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm; (Subject to change based on the needs of the facility).

Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized

Telework: Not Authorized

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 01290-F

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
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 ( ). 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 medical evaluation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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:

a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a)).

b. Education [and/or Experience.]

[(1) The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA

(2) 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.

d. Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.

e. 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.

f. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required state or territorial licensure and the NBCOT certification, both current and in good standing, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

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

(1) 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) A minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the advanced practice area. This time must be within the past five years;

(b) Certification in an area recognized by the AOTA;

(d) An additional advanced degree in a related field.]

[(2) Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:]

(a) Knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy across multiple areas of practice[ ].

(b) [Ability to provide clinical guidance in the advanced practice area to other OT practitioners.

(c) Knowledge of advanced specialized evaluation, interventions and services to independently develop treatment strategies for area of specialization.(d) Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice.(e) Ability to provide consultation to other health care practitioners and outside groups about occupational therapy scope of practice for area of specialization.

(f) Ability to implement, revise/update evidence based occupational therapy services and programming in area of specialization.]

Preferred Experience: 2 years' experience in treatment of neuro diagnoses, Assistive Technology Professional is preferred, but not required.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

English Proficiency. [Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).]

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: . 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: .

Additional information

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.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

Benefits

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Review our benefits

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Proof of a National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Proof of 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.
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information:

Job title,

description of duties,

beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, and average hours worked per week.

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility):

Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee

Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:

Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

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
Proof of a National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Proof of 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.
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Selections from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans' preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 10/1/2024.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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 07/01/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click .

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.

Agency contact information

Caesare Toliver

Phone ... Email ...

Address New Orleans VA Medical Center

2400 Canal Street

New Orleans, LA 70119

Next steps

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.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability
New employee probationary period
Privacy Act
Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service
Signature and false statements
Social security number request

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Proof of a National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Proof of 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.
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information:

Job title,

description of duties,

beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment, and average hours worked per week.

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Eligibility):

Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee

Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:

Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Cover Letter
Proof of a National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Proof of 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.
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Selections from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans' preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 10/1/2024.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

How to Apply

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.

Agency contact information

Caesare Toliver

Phone ... Email ...

Address New Orleans VA Medical Center

2400 Canal Street

New Orleans, LA 70119

Next steps

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability
New employee probationary period
Privacy Act
Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service
Signature and false statements
Social security number request

Email
Facebook
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Twitter

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Overview

Accepting applications
Open & closing dates

06/27/2025 to 07/01/2025

Salary

$115,322 - $149,921 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 13

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

New Orleans, LA 1 vacancy
Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)
0631 Occupational Therapist
Supervisory status

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing
Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Yes

Announcement number

CBST-12755557-25-CT

Control number

839591200

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/839591200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Job ID: 483288046

Originally Posted on: 6/29/2025

Email Address

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