Launch Your Career: Occupational Therapy Assistant at Brooke Army Medical Center

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for rehabilitation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a skilled Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the team at the prestigious Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-quality care to military service members, retirees, and their families within a world-class, integrated healthcare system.

Job Responsibilities

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, your day-to-day duties will be dynamic and rewarding. You will work directly under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to:

Coordinate and implement treatment programs for injured or recovering service members.
Utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to facilitate pain relief and promote healing.
Educate patients and their families on home care programs, adaptive equipment, and safety precautions.
Perform data collection for clinical research and workload management.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary medical team to optimize patient independence.

Comparison: Federal vs. Private Practice OTA Roles

Feature	Federal (DHA)	Private Practice
Benefits	Comprehensive Federal Package	Varies by Employer
Work Environment	Integrated Military Hospital	Clinics or Skilled Nursing
Mission	Support Military Readiness	Varies by Organization
Job Security	Generally Stable/Career-Oriented	Market Dependent

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education/Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or one full year of graduate-level study in Occupational Therapy.
Documentation: A resume of two pages or less is strictly required. Failure to comply may result in removal from consideration.
Regulatory Requirements: Must pass pre-employment screenings and be willing to work during emergencies, as this is a mission-essential position.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $51,201 to $66,563 per year, commensurate with experience and locality pay. For candidates new to the federal service, there may be potential for salary negotiation.

Benefits

Employees of the Defense Health Agency enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
Professional development opportunities.
Potential recruitment incentives for top-tier candidates.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Ensure your resume highlights specific, measurable achievements rather than just duties.
Adhere to Length Limits: The two-page limit is firm. Avoid unnecessary filler.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly state hours worked per week for every position to ensure HR can verify your specialized experience.
Check the Portal: Use the USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your application status regularly.

Serving as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Brooke Army Medical Center is more than a job—it is a mission. If you are prepared to bring your clinical expertise to an environment that values readiness and excellence, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Matters

Empower healing and restore independence for those who have served our country as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Brooke Army Medical Center.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Overview

Join a dedicated clinical team at the prestigious Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. This position involves providing essential rehabilitative care to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. Working under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist, you will play a critical role in restoring patient function, managing treatment plans, and facilitating the transition to independent living.

Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service, which includes implementing treatment plans and providing progress reports.
Completion of one full year of graduate-level education in a field directly related to Occupational Therapy may be substituted for experience.
A combination of graduate education and specialized experience is acceptable to meet the 100% requirement.
Must maintain official transcripts if qualifying via education.
Must submit a resume of two pages or less to be considered.
Must complete a pre-employment physical and/or drug screening as required.

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapy Assistant

Demonstrated ability to communicate complex care plans to patients and family members.
Experience in adaptive equipment instruction and home safety assessment.
Proficiency in clinical data collection for research and workload analysis.
Strong collaborative skills for working within an interdisciplinary medical team.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development.
✓Possible recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Potential for salary negotiation for new federal employees.

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapy Assistant Job

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly documents relevant specialized experience.
Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and any necessary performance appraisals.
Verify that your application package is complete and submitted by the deadline of 11:59 PM EST on 11/30/2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes the employer name, job title, exact start/end dates, and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Avoid using acronyms; use plain, descriptive language to explain your accomplishments.
Double-check that you have re-selected your documents after re-entering the application portal.
Monitor your status in the USAJOBS dashboard to ensure your package is received and to check for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work location for this position?

This role is based at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Can I substitute my education for the work experience requirement?

Yes, you may qualify with one year of graduate-level education in Occupational Therapy, or a combination of graduate education and relevant experience.

Is a security clearance required?

No, a security clearance is not required for this specific role.

Is this a temporary position?

This is an open continuous announcement used to fill multiple vacancies as they arise at BAMC.

What if I have foreign education?

Foreign degrees must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. accredited programs by a recognized organization.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is a critical component of the U.S. Department of Defense, tasked with providing medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million beneficiaries. By joining this team, you become a strategic partner in medical readiness, ensuring the delivery of compassionate, evidence-based care to those who sacrifice for our nation.