Occupational Therapist - Wheelchair Seating and Mobility

This position is located in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System in Prescott, Arizona. The Occupational Therapist Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinical Specialist will serve as the subject matter occupational therapy and treating patients in the specialty areas of occupational therapy practice that are beyond the general practice of occupational therapy in the skills in the technology professional with seating mobility specialist.

Duties of the position include but are not limited to: Perform specialized wheelchair, seating, and power mobility evaluations. Conduct comprehensive assessments for patients with complex conditions, including deformities, amputations, wounds, pressure risk, neurological disorders, cardiopulmonary conditions, musculoskeletal issues, polytrauma, and spinal cord injury. Analyze patient needs related to size, weight, posture, skin integrity, lifestyle, home environment, transportation needs, and mobility method.

Develop individualized treatment plans and therapeutic interventions to optimize functional independence and safety. Evaluate patient response to interventions and adjust treatment plans to achieve optimal outcomes. Provide examinations, treatment, documentation, and follow-up in outpatient, inpatient, skilled nursing, community-based outpatient clinics, in-home/in-community settings, and via tele-rehabilitation.

Recommend and deliver appropriate prosthetic and mobility equipment based on clinical evaluation. Provides appropriate mobility devices for persons post-surgical, chronic vestibular impairment and other assistive technology for promotion of healthy activities. Provide specialty interventions for geriatric rehabilitation, neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, stroke and head injury, arthritis, amputation, spinal cord injury, and polytrauma.

Perform patient and support personnel training related to mobility, seating, transfers, and equipment use. Coordinate ordering, delivery, fitting, assembly, and adjustment of wheelchair and seating systems. Ensure timely and accurate procurement of prosthetic equipment.

Collaborate with Prosthetics Service and vendors, applying VA prosthetic procedures and regulations.- Identify and resolve barriers in procurement workflows and recommend process improvements. Serve as an active member of interdisciplinary teams including Amputee, ALS, SCI/D, Polytrauma, Community Living Center, and PACT teams. Communicate regularly with physicians, nurses, therapists, prosthetics staff, and other clinical team members regarding patient care. Provide consultation to staff and community partners regarding wheelchair and seating mobility needs. Provide in-service training, clinical instruction, and mentoring to staff, students, and trainees.

Develop and evaluate educational materials and training programs related to wheelchair and seating mobility. Participate in clinical meetings, committees, and workgroups as assigned. Maintain competency in department equipment, procedures, and protocols.

Ensure timely documentation of assessments, care plans, treatment interventions, specialty protocols, and outcome measures. Evaluate and treat patients referred to Occupational Therapy. Prepare and submit required reports to supervisory staff.

Engage in continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice updates. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized