- Position Title
- Occupational Therapist
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CBSU-12734932-25-JMS Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Friday, May 16, 2025 to Thursday, May 29, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Are you currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
2.
Are you an employee of the facility indicated for this position?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
3.
Are you a current/past/upcoming VHA Health Professions Trainee (HPT) Graduate?
An HPT may be VA-paid, Without Compensation (WOC), or a participant of the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program that has been appointed to a temporary position in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experience to satisfy program or degree requirements.
To verify your standing as a current/past/upcoming HPT graduate, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), the FL-294 (or a WOC appointment letter).
An HPT may be VA-paid, Without Compensation (WOC), or a participant of the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program that has been appointed to a temporary position in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experience to satisfy program or degree requirements.
To verify your standing as a current/past/upcoming HPT graduate, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), the FL-294 (or a WOC appointment letter).
4.
Are you a current permanent Federal employee from an agency other than Department of Veterans Affairs?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form.
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).
2.
I authorize my application information being shared with hiring managers for similar positions. I understand this option may not result in further consideration for additional positions nor will it impact my application for this announcement.
3.
Are you willing to accept the conditions of employment as indicated in the announcement?
4.
Are you willing to undergo a pre-employment physical?
5.
In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?
6.
A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License.
Do you possess a current and valid state-issued driver's license?
Do you possess a current and valid state-issued driver's license?
7.
Please provide your driver's license number, issuing state and expiration date. Reminder - Do not include a copy of your license; if referred for interview it may be requested at that time.
If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires a college education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Occupational Therapist, GS-0631-09/11/12, position with the Veterans Health Administration. Please select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
1.
English Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f).
Are you proficient in spoken and written English?
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f).
Are you proficient in spoken and written English?
2.
Education [and/or Experience:
The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and 2 years of experience as an occupational therapist;
NOTE: 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.
OR
Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and 2 full years of graduate education in a related field;
NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that ACOTE would only accredit master or
doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy.
OR
Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.
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.
Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Education and/or Experience requirement?
The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and 2 years of experience as an occupational therapist;
NOTE: 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.
OR
Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and 2 full years of graduate education in a related field;
NOTE: The baccalaureate degree must be from an approved program prior to the AOTA January 1, 2005 decision that ACOTE would only accredit master or
doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy.
OR
Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.
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.
Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign occupational therapy programs meet the requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Education and/or Experience requirement?
3.
Please provide the following information regarding the academic institution(s) from which you received your degree(s).
Name of Institution:
City and State:
Degree & Major/Program:
Month and Year conferred:
Name of Institution:
City and State:
Degree & Major/Program:
Month and Year conferred:
4.
Certification
Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.
OR
Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist:
OT 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).
Graduate OTs 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, the OT must be certified and licensed.
A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Certification requirement?
Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.
OR
Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist:
OT 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).
Graduate OTs 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, the OT must be certified and licensed.
A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Certification requirement?
Loss of Credential:
An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required state or territorial licensure and the NBCOT certification, both current and in good standing, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. g. Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist. OT 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). Graduate OTs 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, the OT must be certified and licensed. A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed] OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required state or territorial licensure and the NBCOT certification, both current and in good standing, must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. g. Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist. OT 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). Graduate OTs 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, the OT must be certified and licensed. A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed] OT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
5.
Please provide your certification information.
Name on Certification:
Issuing state or territory:
Complete certification number:
Valid/Expiration date:
Name on Certification:
Issuing state or territory:
Complete certification number:
Valid/Expiration date:
6.
State Licensure:
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.
OR
Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist:
OT 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).
Graduate OTs 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, the OT must be certified and licensed.
A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Certification 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.
OR
Exceptions for the Graduate Occupational Therapist:
OT 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).
Graduate OTs 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, the OT must be certified and licensed.
A graduate OT may provide care only under the direct supervision of a licensed OT who meets all state regulatory requirements.
Temporary graduate OT appointments may not be extended beyond two years, or converted to a new temporary appointment.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Certification requirement?
Failure to Obtain Licensure/Certification:
In all cases, graduate OTs must actively pursue obtaining required credentials (i.e., NBCOT certification and/or state licensure) from the date of their appointment. The human resource office will notify the uncertified/unlicensed OT in writing of the requirement to obtain certification/licensure, the date by which the certification/license must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified/licensed by the deadline date. The written notice must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment
In all cases, graduate OTs must actively pursue obtaining required credentials (i.e., NBCOT certification and/or state licensure) from the date of their appointment. The human resource office will notify the uncertified/unlicensed OT in writing of the requirement to obtain certification/licensure, the date by which the certification/license must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified/licensed by the deadline date. The written notice must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date. Failure to obtain required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment
7.
Please provide your license information.
Name on License:
Issuing state or territory:
Complete license number:
Expiration date:
Name on License:
Issuing state or territory:
Complete license number:
Expiration date:
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 on the effective date of this] 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: 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. If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee 5 will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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. 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.
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 on the effective date of this] 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: 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. If an OT who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee 5 will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. 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. 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.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS
Occupational Therapist, GS-9
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
8.
Education, Experience, or Licensure:
None beyond the basic requirements
I meet the basic requirements..
None beyond the basic requirements
I meet the basic requirements..
Occupational Therapist, GS-11
9.
Education, Experience, or Licensure
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 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.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Education, Experience, or Licensure requirement?
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 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.
Which of the following best describes how you meet the Education, Experience, or Licensure requirement?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
10.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
In addition to the experience or education, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
In addition to the experience or education, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- 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.
Occupational Therapist, GS-12
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
11.
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.
Do you meet the GS-12 Education, Experience, and Licensure requirement listed above?
Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.
Do you meet the GS-12 Education, Experience, and Licensure requirement listed above?
12.
Demonstrated KSAs: In addition to the [experience above, the candidate] must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
Do you meet ALL of the KSAs listed above?
- Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on OT theory and evidence-based practice. 7 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.
Do you meet ALL of the KSAs listed above?
RESUME REMINDER
Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: - Job title - Duties (be as detailed as possible) - Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) - Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). This information is used to verify qualifications. 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. 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 and responsibilities 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. Please make sure you submit all required documentation before the closing date of the announcement! LICENSE AND TRANSCRIPTS- Please provide a copy of your official transcripts and licensure to demonstrate you meet the basic requirements of the position posted. MILITARY DOCUMENTATION REMINDER- If you are a veteran claiming Veterans Preference you must submit the most recent Member 2 or Member 4 copy of your DD-214. If you are claiming 10 point CP or CPS or XP, you must also submit a copy of your SF-15 and a copy of your Service Connected Disability letter that shows your total percentage rating. Your veteran status cannot be verified without these documents and you will be disqualified for not meeting the area of consideration if you do not provide the documentation.
Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: - Job title - Duties (be as detailed as possible) - Month and year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) - Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). This information is used to verify qualifications. 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. 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 and responsibilities 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. Please make sure you submit all required documentation before the closing date of the announcement! LICENSE AND TRANSCRIPTS- Please provide a copy of your official transcripts and licensure to demonstrate you meet the basic requirements of the position posted. MILITARY DOCUMENTATION REMINDER- If you are a veteran claiming Veterans Preference you must submit the most recent Member 2 or Member 4 copy of your DD-214. If you are claiming 10 point CP or CPS or XP, you must also submit a copy of your SF-15 and a copy of your Service Connected Disability letter that shows your total percentage rating. Your veteran status cannot be verified without these documents and you will be disqualified for not meeting the area of consideration if you do not provide the documentation.