Providing Specialized Care: Become an Occupational Therapist with the Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a passionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our clinical team in Shiprock, New Mexico. If you are a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to practice evidence-based medicine in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Job Responsibilities

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

Conducting comprehensive evaluations and developing complex, goal-oriented treatment plans.
Helping patients regain functional independence in daily activities.
Fabricating custom upper extremity orthoses and recommending adaptive equipment.
Providing essential education to patients and their families regarding injury prevention and disease management.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient performance and rehabilitation outcomes.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited institution.
Certification: Valid certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Background: Successful completion of a federal background check and financial suitability review.
Compliance: Ability to maintain medical staff clinical privileges and adhere to agency immunization policies.

Comparison of Potential Grades

Feature	GS-11	GS-12
Experience Requirement	Entry-level specialist	Advanced clinical focus
Evaluation Tools	Standardized methods	Complex clinical modalities
Clinical Oversight	Direct care focus	Mentorship of students/assistants

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $74,678 to $116,362 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level. Additionally, employees enjoy:

Competitive annual leave based on federal service time.
Eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives.
Comprehensive health and insurance benefits.

Application Tips

Prepare Your Documents: Ensure your resume highlights your clinical hours and specific skills.
Mind the Deadlines: All components, including assessments, must be completed by the closing date of September 18, 2026.
Follow Instructions: Do not skip the USA Hire Assessment, as it is a mandatory part of the application process.

Working with the Indian Health Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to improving health equity and serving communities with dedication. If you are ready to elevate your career as an Occupational Therapist, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on patient health and functional independence within a dedicated interdisciplinary team in Shiprock, New Mexico.

Occupational Therapist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a motivated Occupational Therapist to join the Division of Clinical Services. In this role, you will provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for both inpatients and outpatients of all ages. You will work within a supportive, community-oriented environment, developing complex treatment plans to maximize patient function, restore independence, and improve overall quality of life for American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Requirements for Occupational Therapist

U.S. Citizenship.
Completion of an occupational therapy curriculum approved by ACOTE or a professional accrediting organization.
Passing score on the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.
Compliance with IHS Employee Immunization Policy for healthcare workers.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Possession of a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist

One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-11 or equivalent).
Expertise in designing custom orthoses and adaptive equipment.
Experience providing clinical oversight to therapy assistants and students.
Advanced knowledge of evidence-based practice and injury prevention strategies.
Demonstrated ability to make independent clinical decisions in complex medical scenarios.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary range.
✓Annual leave accrual based on years of federal service.
✓Opportunity for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Membership in a collaborative, professional interdisciplinary healthcare team.
✓Access to comprehensive federal insurance plans.

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job

Register and log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documentation (transcripts, licenses, veteran status forms).
Complete the online application questionnaire through the Apply Online portal.
Submit all necessary documents by the closing date of September 18, 2026.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessment within the provided testing window.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details duties, hours worked per week, and specific clinical accomplishments.
Upload transcripts early, even if they are unofficial, to expedite the initial qualification review.
Double-check that all professional certifications and licenses are clearly listed on your resume with expiration dates.
Be prepared to complete the USA Hire assessment as soon as you receive the notification; failure to do so results in ineligibility.
Keep your contact information updated in your USAJOBS profile to receive critical notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Occupational Therapist at IHS?

You will perform clinical evaluations and design treatment plans for patients with diverse conditions to improve functional independence and health outcomes.

Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for this position, subject to a service agreement.

What is the significance of the background investigation?

As a healthcare provider, you must undergo a federal background check to verify identity, suitability, and professional history as a condition of employment.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. We provide comprehensive healthcare services through a nationwide system, and our clinicians are known for being compassionate, creative, and enthusiastic in their approach to problem-solving and patient care.