Occupational Therapist Opening

Occupational Therapist

Location: Center for Rehabilitation Sciences Research (or CRSR) at Walter Reed 

National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. 

Summary: 

HJF provides scientific, technical and programmatic support services to CRSR. 

Responsibilities: 

The Occupational Therapist is a key contributor on several studies to include, but not limited to the following: 

1. A multidisciplinary, collaborative project between National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Uniformed Services University (USU), Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (FBCH), Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) University of Maryland (UMD), University of North Carolina (UNC), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) will evaluate the biopsychosocial efficacy of service dog training program (SDTP) on Service Members within three populations: NICoE, WRNMMC, and FBCH. These three sites have been chosen to study as they have large populations of Service Members being treated for PTSD. Note: Given the work with service animals the applicant must not be allergic or have any fear of dogs.
   
2. A study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel virtual reality (VR) therapeutic rehabilitative device to treat patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). These patients, service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), could be both with and without upper limb dysfunction and use uni- and bimanual VR exercises to improve cognitive and motor function, as well as mood.
   

Additional Responsibilities: 

•   Plans and supervises a program of occupational therapy activities for functional and supportive patients.
  
•   Modifies treatment as required and consults with Chief of Occupational Therapy Services regarding long term planning.
  
•   Coordinates activities with other occupational therapists, nursing, social work and volunteer services.
  
•   Treats and/or supervises the treatment of patients.
  
•   Complies reports and submits purchase request for occupational therapy
  activities.
  
•   Attends research meetings, multidisciplinary patient meetings, and staff
  meetings.
  

•   Aides with necessary public relations and remains abreast of new occupational therapy techniques to develop knowledgeable and informed clinical reasoning and research related decisions to facilitate seamless, and informative, communication links with other health care and research colleagues.
  
•   Provides clinical support as it relates to research. Performs data collection, assessments, and documentation.
  
•   Must be able to work and handle dogs to facilitate patient/animal assisted therapy (AAT)/research.
  
•   Lectures and demonstrates to visiting professions and students, and participates in in-service education.
  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of occupational therapy materials and equipment and their economic and beneficial use.
  Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Master’s degree in Occupational therapy.
  Minimum Experience: Two to four years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist with supervisory experience; military clearance preferred.
  Occupational Capabilities: Long periods of standing and sitting; bending; may involve lifting of patients. Must be able to work with dogs during AAT activities/research in collaboration with patients.
  Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: Registration as an Occupational Therapist with the American Occupational Therapy Association.
  Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Provides direct supervision of Therapeutic Activities Specialist, clerical and volunteer personnel as assigned.
  Work Environment: Clinical environment
  HJF is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
  Application Mechanism: Please apply at www.hjf.org
  Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Vice President of Human Resources.