This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more This position is located in the SCI Therapy Department of the SCI/D Care Line at the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) Spinal Cord Injury Center and Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Center and Drivers Rehabilitation programs. The incumbent provides direct patient care occupational therapy and drivers rehabilitation services within the SCI Therapy Section of the SCI/D CL. The incumbent collaborates with the Veterans served, caregivers, providers, clinicians, and families regarding evaluation and treatment, community services, equipment, and assistive technology of patients with complex SCI/D as it pertains to the SCI/D OT/DR Specialist care plan. The incumbent is required to apply advanced evaluation methodologies to the treatment of Veterans with SCI/D and co-morbidities (such as, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary, or cognitive impairments, as well as preventative occupational therapy management of Veterans with SCI/D). Position includes services to the outpatient, and in-patient Spinal Cord Injury Clinics. Experience in SCI/D: Direct care patient experience equivalent to 1 year of focused experience in spinal cord injury and disorders or 1-year focused experience in neurological disorders and debilitating degenerative diseases or 1-year experience in SCI/D and Neuro/debilitating degenerative diseases. Or 2000 hours over 5 years in SCI/D, Neuro or SCI/D and Neuro. This position is a specialized position requiring a foundation in occupational therapy plus experience in SCI/D and/or neurological impairments. Experience in Driver Rehabilitation: VA Certified Driver Rehab Specialist, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (ADED), or Driver Rehab experience with understanding/expectation to become VA or ADED Certification within a year. Demonstrates the desire, ability, knowledge, and experience and/or skills in the performance of in-clinic standardized and non-standardized evaluations and treatments related to Driver Rehabilitation, driving simulator training and/or On-the-Road Driver Rehabilitation using an adapted vehicle. Experience with assessing low, moderate, and complex technology and durable medical equipment for access/egress/safety for a disabled driver or passenger. Understanding of local and state regulations for legal drivers with debilitating injuries/diseases/disorders. Understanding of or practical application of DR program management related to adults with debilitating injuries/diseases/disorders, including understanding and writing policies, procedures, standard operating procedures and protocols, identifying necessary equipment and supplies utilized in Driver Rehabilitation programs for budget funding, educating multidisciplinary team members and students on the Driver Rehabilitation program and designing and implementing performance improvement measures to monitor the program. Demonstrates a high level of educational/learning activity in a continually changing environment. Experience in wheelchair management: Experience running or participating in wheelchair seating and positioning clinic, including direct care of patients requiring manual and power wheelchairs, complex evaluations of high-tech power mobility with alternative controllers. This includes the actual assessment, knowledge and processing of the equipment order forms, review of the order forms for accuracy, inspection of the mobility devices, and fitting and training of individuals for whom the devices have been ordered. As well, it includes the ability to program complex mobility devices to the special needs of the individuals and the ability to modify/adjust over time. Experience in management of seating/positioning: Experience in assessment and management of specialized seating and positioning of individuals with SCI/D or other debilitating diseases or disorders, including understanding the products available on the market, identifying needs of the patients based on their injury, disease or disorder, vendor contact for quotes and modification/customization, and installation and fitting. Assistive Technology certification or equivalent: Preferred experience in assistive technology for driver rehabilitation, wheelchairs, environmental controls, home controls/SMART homes, and/or augmentative communication desired for this complex population. Can articulate or demonstrate 500 hours of direct assistive technology evaluation and/or treatment in patient care over 5 years. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00am - 4:30pm) Financial Disclosure Report: Not required