Advance Your Career as an Occupational Therapist with the VA

Are you a dedicated Occupational Therapist looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently hiring for an Occupational Therapist position in Grand Island, Nebraska. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to those who have served our country. If you are passionate about restoring function and independence, we invite you to explore this fulfilling career path.

Job Responsibilities

As an Occupational Therapist, you will be at the forefront of patient care. Your core duties will include:

Comprehensive Care: Planning and executing OT evaluations for both inpatient and outpatient Veterans.
Treatment Planning: Utilizing advanced evaluation methodologies to develop individualized treatment plans.
Adaptive Support: Recommending, fabricating, and modifying assistive devices and orthoses to maximize functional independence.
Team Collaboration: Working closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and dietitians to ensure holistic care.
Mentorship: Providing guidance and supervision to students and therapy assistants.

Salary & Grade Comparison

Candidates may be selected at various grade levels depending on experience and qualifications.

Grade Level	Experience Requirement	Key Focus Area
GS-9	Basic Requirements	Foundational OT practice
GS-11	1 year at GS-9 level	Advanced clinical application
GS-12	1 year at GS-11 level	Complex problem solving & leadership

Salary range for this position is $61,722 to $116,362 per year.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must:

Be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a current, unrestricted state license.
Hold an active NBCOT certification.
Be proficient in written and spoken English.
Successfully complete a background check and physical examination.

Benefits

Employees of the VHA enjoy a range of federal benefits, including:

Robust health insurance and retirement plans.
Accrual of annual and sick leave based on length of service.
Potential for recruitment and relocation incentives for top-tier candidates.
A structured environment focused on "Whole Health" and personalized care.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always use the VA-provided clinical resume document.
Highlight KSAs: Dedicate a specific document to detailing your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities as they relate to the job posting.
Stay Current: Ensure all certifications and licenses are clearly visible in your application package.

Serving our Veterans is a rewarding mission that requires skill, empathy, and dedication. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to advance your clinical practice in a supportive, mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply today. Your expertise can change a Veteran's life.

Why This Occupational Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Matters

Transform lives and advance your healthcare career in the heart of Nebraska—the VA is offering competitive compensation and potential recruitment incentives for dedicated Occupational Therapists.

Occupational Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our team in Grand Island, Nebraska. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality care to Veterans, focusing on restoring independence and improving quality of life. You will work within an interdisciplinary team, managing complex evaluations and intervention plans in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Requirements for Occupational Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

U.S. Citizenship
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Valid, unrestricted Occupational Therapy license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
Current NBCOT certification
Completion of an ACOTE-approved degree program
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
Ability to complete an online background investigation
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Direct experience in a Community Living Center or Skilled Nursing Facility
Proven background in outpatient occupational therapy
Advanced skills in wheelchair seating and positioning
Experience with orthotic fabrication and adaptive equipment modification

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on service time
✓Competitive salary range
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentive
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits provided by the federal government

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Review the full announcement and required documentation list.
Download the standard Clinical Resume template from the VA careers website.
Prepare your documents, including your transcript, professional license, and detailed resume.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the job description within a separate document to highlight your expertise.
Double-check that all required documents, such as transcripts and professional licenses, are attached before clicking submit.
Ensure your resume clearly details both paid and volunteer work to capture all relevant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance available?

Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive may be approved for highly qualified candidates.

What is the work schedule?

This position operates Monday through Friday, typically between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, with occasional PRN weekends.

Can I apply if I am a recent graduate?

Yes, individuals who meet basic requirements but are awaiting certification or licensure may be appointed as a Graduate Occupational Therapist for a temporary period, provided they meet specific criteria.

Can I telework in this position?

No, this role is an on-site position at the Grand Island facility.

How often is this position reviewed?

This is an open continuous announcement; applications are reviewed at regular intervals.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing compassionate whole-health care to our nation's Veterans. The Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) is a dynamic, integrated system serving over 56,000 Veterans across multiple states. Joining our team means becoming part of a community-focused environment that prioritizes work-life balance, affordability, and clinical excellence.