Occupational Therapist - Inpatient CRC/PRC Float

Summary The Occupational Therapist (OT) position is in the OT section of the PMR service. The OT plans, implements, and coordinates comprehensive OT services for adult and geriatric veterans with complex medical, neurological, orthopedic, and psychological disorders. This position is primarily based in the Inpatient Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC)/Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center (CRC) unit and may be asked to float to other areas of clinical or administrative need, including weekend coverage. Responsibilities The Occupational Therapist (OT) position is in the Occupational Therapy section of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The OT plans, implements, and coordinates Occupational Therapy services for adult veterans who have routinely complex medical, neurological, orthopedic, and psychological disorders. The OT in this position will be primarily based in the Inpatient Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC)/ Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center (CRC) unit and may be asked to float to other areas of the clinical or administrative need along with working weekends. Duties include but are not limited to: Clinical: Evaluates patients' Occupational Profile, abilities, and functional limitations; develops individualized treatment plans based on evaluation findings, occupational therapy theory, and evidence-based practice; and administers appropriate occupational therapy programs. Documents initial plans, interim progress, and final summaries in the patient's electronic record in a timely manner; re-evaluates and modifies the treatment plan as needed to achieve targeted outcomes. Assesses need for adaptive aids, seating systems, and other major equipment; formulates individualized prescriptions for pertinent durable medical equipment (DME) and trains patients in their use; fabricates customized devices and splints as necessary for corrective, supportive, or protective purposes. Performs home evaluations for accessibility and makes safety recommendations for structural modifications; assesses patients' functional mobility on public transportation and in community facilities. Provides medical and functional justification to order durable medical equipment or assistive devices; in some instances, may design/modify and assist in fabrication of assistive equipment; communicates and coordinates with the team and other services regarding treatment recommendations, DME, and other devices. Communicates evaluation results to the patient and the treatment team using both standardized and non-standardized evaluation techniques; provides evaluations and treatments in a manner that maintains patient dignity and privacy. Ensures treatment adheres to departmental, VAPAHCS, VHA, AOTA, CARF, The Joint Commission, and other applicable guidelines, using the best available modalities and equipment; recognizes contraindications and appropriateness of prescribed treatment, consults with the primary physician as needed, and assists in referring patients who can benefit from occupational therapy services. Oversees treatment provided by the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), if applicable. EDUCATIONAL Supervises and trains occupational therapy trainees and assists in developing and updating training program content. Provides orientation and training to other health care professionals as requested. Provides education and training to family members and caregivers regarding the patient's functional status, performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), and operation and maintenance of equipment. Attends and actively participates in section and program in-services, health care system educational offerings, professional conferences, and workshops, and shares gained knowledge, improved methods, or techniques with other occupational therapy staff. ADMINISTRATIVE Maintains patient attendance records and other required statistics; completes and maintains recordkeeping in accordance with PM&RS, VAPAHCS, VACO, and VHA policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding timeliness; completes and submits reports as requested. Shares responsibility for clinic environment and maintenance, submits work orders as necessary to maintain an optimal environment of care, requests clinic supplies and materials, ensures appropriate supply levels are maintained for patient treatment, and makes suggestions for major equipment purchases for the department. Develops forms for treatment guidelines, data collection, or patient education. Schedules and organizes patient visits to ensure adequate time for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating with other members of the health care team. Complies with occupational therapy stocked prosthetics and logistics equipment processes and maintains inventory levels accordingly. As applicable, investigates new technology with emphasis on the occupational therapist's specialty. Performs other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Rehabilitation Supervisor, or other authorized leadership within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS). Work Schedule: Full Time, Sunday - Thursday, 8am-4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 09476-F, 09477-F, 09478-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license. 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 (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

Created: 2026-02-16