Summary
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The Occupational Therapist (Clinical Assessor) is assigned to the Caregiver Support Program. This position is primarily responsible for assessing a Veteran's functional needs, including the need for personal care services using standardized assessments-which will assist the Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Teams (CEAT) in determining eligibility.

This job is open to
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### The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
### Clarification from the agency

All US citizens may apply. If you are a federal employee please apply to: CAZM-12767975-25-NCC

Duties
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The Occupational Therapist (Clinical Assessor) requires advanced knowledge and understanding of the services and benefits available for Veterans and caregivers from both federal, state and private sector resources. As an independently licensed clinical occupational therapist, the Clinical Assessor will be assigned to work independently with multiple VA healthcare services and with community agencies, leaders and organizations with no access to direct clinical supervision. Expected to practice at the independent level.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assess Veterans needs for personal care services, particularly Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), supervision, protection or instruction, working closely with the Caregiver Support Program Coordinator(s) and/or designee(s), to complete Veteran functional assessments, wellness contacts, and re-assessments.
• The Clinical Assessor will conduct initial home assessments as part of the application, wellness contacts, and/or or reassessment process for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
• The Clinical Assessor assists in the day-to-day operations of the Caregiver Support Program specific to his/her area of assignment and ensures compliance and collaboration with local facility and the VA Central Office Caregiver Support Program initiatives.
• The Clinical Assessor participates in face-to-face or virtual contact with the caregiver and Veteran to assess function and the need for personal care services, and as needed, the development and application of directed clinical treatment interventions.
• The Clinical Assessor will utilize and assist in maintaining a data monitoring system to measure the efficacy of the program and assists in collecting and analyzing local data for reports for: local management, VISN Caregiver Support Program Leads, Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Teams, the National Caregiver Support Program, Care Management and Social Work and Office of Patient Care Services.
• Evaluates program progress and outcomes and utilizes data to continuously modify and improve the program, processes, and use of a standardized assessment instrument.
• Advises and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the medical center on caregiver issues.
• Provides education and in service training to VAMC employees, Veterans, families and caregivers. Provides ongoing consultation and support to colleagues regarding caregiver support.
• Develops and facilitates caregiver support groups (face-to-face or virtual) and educational programs.
• The Clinical Assessor conducts Veteran, caregiver and family clinical interventions to facilitate the identification of caregiver stress, psychiatric illness, emotional distress and social needs as treatment issues. Utilizes professional judgment, including the knowledge of normal and abnormal behavior, is an inherent competency applied in daily interactions with caregivers and the Veterans they care for.
• The Clinical Assessor, in collaboration with CSP staff provides referrals to VA medical and mental health treatment and to other VA services including VA benefits, community-based social services and other non-VA entitlement programs.
• The Clinical Assessor serves as a consultant for navigating the complex processes caregivers, Veterans, and families encounter when interacting with government and community agencies.
• Provides referrals or consults, or in some cases facilitates direct admission of a Veteran to other VA programs including but not limited to the Community Residential Care Program, Respite Program, Community Health Care Coordination Program, Hospice, Home Based Primary Care, Telehealth and the Community Nursing Home Program.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
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