- Position Title
- Occupational Therapist
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CBSW-12732492-25-LN Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to Tuesday, May 20, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
Preferences
1.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
Your resume must be submitted in English and include the following information for each job listed:
- Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
- Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
- Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
Assessment 1
To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional grade-level qualification requirements. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of this occupation. Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
1. They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
2. If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
3. OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
4. OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
Please answer the following questions:
1. They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
2. If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.
3. OTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
4. OTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
Please answer the following questions:
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
1.
English Language Proficiency: Are you proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d)?
2.
Education and/or Experience Requirement: You must meet at least one of the following education and/or experience requirements listed below:
(a) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; OR
(b) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; OR(c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.
NOTES:
Degree Accreditation: (1) The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. (2) Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association (https://www.aota.org/) website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220.
Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the degree accreditation requirements if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia.
Creditable Experience: Experience is only creditable if it is post-graduate experience as a professional OT directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to professional occupational therapy experience at the next lower level.Select the option that best describes your education and/or experience requirement:
(a) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; OR
(b) Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; OR(c) Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.
NOTES:
Degree Accreditation: (1) The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) would only accredit master or doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy. (2) Individuals must be a graduate of a degree program in occupational therapy approved by the ACOTE or predecessor organizations. This is inclusive of an internship (supervised fieldwork experience required by the educational institution). ACOTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association (https://www.aota.org/) website or at their office address: American Occupational Therapy Association, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220.
Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the degree accreditation requirements if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia.
Creditable Experience: Experience is only creditable if it is post-graduate experience as a professional OT directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to professional occupational therapy experience at the next lower level.Select the option that best describes your education and/or experience requirement:
3.
Certification Requirement: Candidates must possess a current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an Occupational Therapist. NOTE: all certified applicants must provide proof of certification.
Exception: Occupational Therapy graduates from an approved occupational therapy program, who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2). Graduates may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, certification and licensure is required. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment.
Do you currently hold, or will you hold, a National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an Occupational Therapist?
Exception: Occupational Therapy graduates from an approved occupational therapy program, who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2). Graduates may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, certification and licensure is required. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment.
Do you currently hold, or will you hold, a National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification as an Occupational Therapist?
4.
Licensure Requirement: Candidates must possess a full, current, and unrestricted state license, to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia. NOTE: all licensed applicants must provide proof of licensure.
Exception: Occupational Therapy graduates from an approved occupational therapy program, who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2). Graduates may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, certification and licensure is required. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment.
Do you currently hold, or will you hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia
Exception: Occupational Therapy graduates from an approved occupational therapy program, who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2). Graduates may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained. For grades levels at or above the developmental GS-11 grade level, certification and licensure is required. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment.
Do you currently hold, or will you hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia
5.
1. For applicants that are currently NBCOT certified, please indicate your NBCOT ID Number and expiration date.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
6.
For applicants that currently possess a full, current, and unrestricted state license, to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia, please indicate your licensure number, state where license was issued, and expiration date.
7.
For applicants that are not certified or licensed, please respond with N/A.
Grade Determination: Please select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your background and experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
8.
Occupational Therapist, GS-9 (Entry Level): Individuals assigned at the GS-9 grade level serve as practitioners in a career development position progressively expanding their ability to provide assessment and treatment interventions for a wide range of human function systems. The entry level occupational therapist has a basic foundation of occupational therapy and generally practices independently.
There are no education, experience, certification, or licensure requirements beyond the basic requirements for this position. Do you meet the basic requirements for this position?
There are no education, experience, certification, or licensure requirements beyond the basic requirements for this position. Do you meet the basic requirements for this position?
9.
Occupational Therapist, GS-11: Occupational Therapist at this grade level practice independently, are responsible for the assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized tools, and require guidance with higher complexity conditions. The Occupational Therapist modifies standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools, and selects and provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with routine complexity to enhance safety, wellness, performance in activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. In addition to meeting the basic requirements of this position, to qualify for the GS-11 you must meet the following requirements:
(1) Education, Experience, or Licensure Requirements
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; OR
Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; OR
Doctorate in occupational therapy
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education, experience, or licensure requirements listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of occupational therapy practice.
Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment.
Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others.
Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated.
Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care.
Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice.
NOTE: all KSAs must be clearly displayed in resume - (assumptions will not be made)
Do you meet the above stated requirements?
(1) Education, Experience, or Licensure Requirements
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level and directly related to the position being filled; OR
Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in occupational therapy or a directly related field; OR
Doctorate in occupational therapy
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education, experience, or licensure requirements listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of occupational therapy practice.
Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment.
Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others.
Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated.
Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care.
Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice.
NOTE: all KSAs must be clearly displayed in resume - (assumptions will not be made)
Do you meet the above stated requirements?
10.
Occupational Therapist, GS-12: Occupational Therapist at this level practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. They select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness, and performance in ADL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. At this grade level, Occupational Therapist demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and their proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-12 you must meet the following requirements:
(1) Education, Experience, and Licensure: Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.
(2)Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education, experience, or licensure requirements listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities and procedures to meet the needs of patients.
Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment.
Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.
NOTE: all KSAs must be clearly displayed in resume - (assumptions will not be made)
Do you meet the above stated requirements?
(1) Education, Experience, and Licensure: Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.
(2)Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the education, experience, or licensure requirements listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to use critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities and procedures to meet the needs of patients.
Skill in procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of durable medical equipment.
Ability to conduct OT related in-service and clinical training.
NOTE: all KSAs must be clearly displayed in resume - (assumptions will not be made)
Do you meet the above stated requirements?
RESUME REMINDER - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: * Job Title and a summary of duties. (be as detailed as possible) * Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) * Full-time or part-time status (MUST include hours worked per week if part-time). * Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. * Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.