Therapist will practice Occupational Therapy in the assigned setting at the assigned location throughout South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) Service Programs as directed by the assigned Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) supervisor. A staff occupational therapist is responsible for the independent provision of comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools.
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U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This is an internal job announcement. This is announcement is open to current permanent facility employees, current permanent VA employees, Health Professions Trainee (HPTs), current permanent Federal Employee, and U. S. Citizens.
Major Duties:
- Clinical: Candidates must be licensed for assignment at this grade level and are considered to be at the full performance level. They are assigned to all program areas which are covered by the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service and provide professional, independent occupational therapy services in the assigned area(s). OTs at this level may be given general assignments in any occupational therapy program area where advanced, specialized knowledge is not required on a recurring basis due to the patient population served and complexity of the facility and/or treatment area or may serve as the sole OT at a less complex facility. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial (less than 25% of duty time).
- Upon referral from a physician (or self-referral in a direct access system), evaluates patients in complex cases to determine functional status, identifies problems and needs for individualized therapy treatment. Demonstrates the ability to serve as a consultant for health care providers regarding the deliver of occupational therapy services to patients who have experienced musculoskeletal injuries, neurological injuries, and trauma.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skill in a range of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrates an effective working knowledge of occupational therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the clinical setting for veterans who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries, neurological injuries, and multiple traumas. Independently plans and develops comprehensive occupational therapy programs to meet patients' needs.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skill in evaluating and treating patients who has experienced limb loss, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, neurological injury, and neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Demonstrates skills in performing and interpreting specialized evaluation procedures and tests.
- Incumbent is responsible for comprehensive evaluations of patients for durable medical equipment and orthotics including procuring, fabricating, adjusting, adapting, and modifying adaptive equipment for activities of daily living (inclusive of DME, bracing, and other adaptive equipment). Once the evaluation is complete, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating equipment need with the physician and prosthetics department. Additionally, the incumbent will train the patient on the required DME for safety and functional mobility.
- Utilizes critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complete problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities, and procedures to meet the needs of the patients.
- Reviews occupational therapy documentation of initial findings, treatment goals estimated length of treatment, equipment recommendations, interim progress, and discharge summary in patients' medical records.
- Communicates effectively with occupational therapy and medical center staff.
- Works effectively with health care providers in coordinating the patients' total care.
- Participates in conferences and assigned medical meetings.
- Understands rationale for all clinic procedures and has good operating knowledge of all equipment in the Occupational Therapy Clinic.
- Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Administration:
- Assigns and evaluates work of subordinate staff as assigned.
- Maintains attendance records and submits monthly reports and statistics.
- Maintains procedures consistent with STVHCS policies. Assists in the development of standards of care to ensure compliance with professional accrediting organizations.
- Maintains all data for quality assurance monitoring and evaluates data at specific intervals.
- Maintains adequate level of supplies.
- Maintains equipment in safe and operable condition through inspection and submission of work orders, as necessary.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Education
- Supervises and trains occupational therapy students and volunteers. If assigned, acts as clinical education coordinator for the HCBC Section.
- Provides in-services training for therapy staff and other professionals, as necessary. Orients Visitors and Volunteers to the role of occupational therapy.
- Maintains professional state license and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy competency through continuing education with completion in each biennium of 3.0 Continuing Competency Units (CCU's).
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Telework: Ad-Hoc only
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 55518-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Driver's License: 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.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Education and/or Experience.
- The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below:
- Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (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 two (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. Degree programs may be verified by contacting the American Occupational Therapy Association 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 requirements of subparagraph [3b(2)] if they have a current, full, active and unrestricted license referred to in subparagraph [3e] of this appendix.
- Certification. Candidates must possess a current NBCOT certification as an OT.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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-toexceed 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.
- 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.
- Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. k.
- English Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).]
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-09:
Education, Experience, or Licensure. None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-11:
- Education, Experience, or Licensure.
- 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.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the [experience or education 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.
GS-12:
- 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.
- Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience 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.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required;
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
This OPEN & CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT is scheduled to remain open until 12/31/2026; however, announcement may be closed sooner (or extended) once and until position(s) is/are filled. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals (or as additional vacancies occur) on an as-needed basis, until position(s) is/are filled. Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly, starting 07/15/2026 until the position is filled or closed.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
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DD-214/ Statement of Service
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Disability Letter (Schedule A)
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Disability Letter (VA)
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License
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Hybrid Resume
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PCS Orders
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Performance Appraisal
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Professional Certification
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Resume
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Separation Notice (RIF)
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SF-15
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SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12995819.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Kathrine Howe
Address
Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital
7400 Merton Minter Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78229
US
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Accepting applications
Posted this month · Apply by 12/31/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 31, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Ad-hoc only
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$68,549 - $118,072 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 12
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
75% or less - You may be expected to travel to training events, conferences or to local clinics for patient care coverage as needed.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0631 Occupational Therapist
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
- Credentialing
- Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CAZM-12995819-26-KH
