The Orlando VA Healthcare is a Level 1A complexity system that covers approximately 140,000 veterans in East Central Florida. The incumbent is part of the Rehabilitation section of the Anesthesiology Service composed of Physical and Occupational Therapy.
The incumbent will directly report to a Section Chief or Occupational Therapy Supervisor. The Occupational Therapist (OT) Clinical Specialist is responsible for growing the Hand Therapy Program and forging a strong relationship with hand and Plastic Surgeon's.
Since the OT Specialist is considered the subject matter expert within the organization, he/she is expected to provide education and guidance to the Rehabilitation Supervisors, PT/OT staff, and other medical center providers. The incumbent will mainly evaluate/treat veterans in the outpatient setting. There will be occasions when the Hand Specialist would need to perform therapy off site assisting with splinting and evaluation needs.
A Section Chief or OT Supervisor may also required the specialist to cover other Outpatient Clinics, inpatient and the Community Living Center (CLC) to address specific OT hand therapy needs. The OT Clinical Specialist is also responsible for the supervision of assigned OT residents/fellows, students, and volunteers that rotate through the outpatient area.
Given this person is the subject matter expert in the hand therapy, it is expected that they participate in an OT Residency/Fellowship programs as either a Mentor or Educator. They will also be responsible for OT students as a clinical instructor as determined by his/her supervisor. The incumbent should be a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and will be responsible for an OT Residency or Fellowship Program should be one be approved for the Orlando VAHCS.
Duties but not limited to: The incumbent will be responsible for handling all Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation referrals for therapy as well as teaching therapists at other sites the nuances of referring care for this population. The OT clinical specialist plans, develops, coordinates, and implements Hand and Upper Extremity rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.
The OT Clinical Specialist for Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation assesses, plans, evaluates, and delivers care in this specialty area as a component of the Occupational Therapy Section, which usually involves multiple disciplines. Creates a plan of care and refers treatment to an Occupational Therapist Assistant when appropriate. Works closely with an interdisciplinary team in the planning and implementation of the patient's treatment program.
Assessing or providing client care, the therapist considers the age of the client as it relates to the ability to understand directions, provide objective self-assessments, or any other medical milieu appropriate to the overall treatment plan. Recognizes contraindications and appropriateness of treatment prescribed by the primary provider and consults with provider if these are in question.
Appropriately plans client discharge and/or need for continuing treatment and terminates treatment when the client reaches maximum benefit. Documents all treatment, progress, education, counseling and training in the patient's medical record. Documentation Is completed per station policies for content and timeliness.
Develops, and implements comprehensive, complex treatment programs for individual patients or groups of patients to relieve pain, restore or enhance performance, and maximize ability to function independently as possible. Address psychological factors (thoughts, behavior, emotions) and social aspects of human performance as they influence mental health and participation in everyday activities.
The therapist independently develops and implements individualized occupational therapy treatment programs and/or group treatments for all patients referred for consultation. Occupational Therapist performs assessments, evaluations, and treatments for the prevention of physical disability, movement dysfunction, and pain resulting from injury, disease and/or disability.
The incumbent will serve as the primary mentor and co-coordinator of the Orlando VAHCS Hand & Upper Extremity Occupational Therapy Fellowship Program that is currently in the development phase. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Tour may be modified by a Section Chief or OT Supervisor based on clinical space and/or organizational needs. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 81650F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Lisa.Hines2@va.gov · 610-383-0236
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $106437 – $138370/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-14.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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