Launch Your Career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) looking to apply your skills in a setting that truly matters? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking talented clinicians to join the team at the WINN Army Medical Hospital in Fort Stewart, Georgia. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-quality rehabilitative care to service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As an OTA at the WINN Army Medical Hospital, you will perform essential clinical duties to aid patient recovery. Key responsibilities include:
- Treatment Implementation: Collaborating with clinical staff to execute progressive treatment plans designed to restore range of motion, strength, and coordination.
- Patient Care: Utilizing a full range of occupational therapy modalities while exercising professional judgment and clinical observation.
- Outcome Monitoring: Tracking the effectiveness of various procedures and reporting patient progress or setbacks to supervisors to ensure the highest quality of care.
- Education: Instructing patients on occupational rehabilitation programs to improve their long-term health outcomes.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level |
| Certification | Valid, unrestricted OTA license from a U.S. state/territory |
| Education | Graduate-level coursework may substitute for some experience |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $50,460 to $65,599 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. This includes applicable locality pay for the Fort Stewart area.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package, including:
- Excellent health insurance plans
- Federal retirement options (TSP)
- Generous vacation and sick leave accrual
- Opportunities for professional development in a premier clinical environment
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Do not exceed two pages. Over-length resumes will be excluded from consideration.
- Be Detailed: Ensure every job entry includes the employer name, title, dates (MM/YYYY), and hours worked per week.
- Documentation: Ensure your license and transcripts are uploaded and clearly readable to avoid being marked as incomplete.
This position represents a meaningful step for any Occupational Therapy Assistant interested in contributing to the military community. If you have the skills, compassion, and drive to help our service members recover and thrive, we encourage you to apply via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Why This Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the recovery of our service members and their families as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at WINN Army Medical Hospital.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the team at the WINN Army Medical Hospital in Fort Stewart, Georgia. In this role, you will work closely with patients to implement restorative treatment plans, improve physical function, and enhance quality of life for those who serve our country. This is an excellent opportunity to utilize your clinical expertise in a high-impact environment where your daily work directly supports the readiness and well-being of the military community.
Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level
- Active, valid, and unrestricted Occupational Therapy Assistant license/certification
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must register for Selective Service
- Ability to provide transcripts for education-based qualification
Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Experience implementing occupational therapy treatment plans
- Background in educating patients on occupational rehabilitation programs
- Graduate-level education in Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Occupational Therapy Assistant Job
- Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Submit a resume of two pages or less that clearly details your specialized experience.
- Upload required documentation, including proof of licensure and educational transcripts if applicable.
- Review your application package for completeness and accuracy before the submission deadline.
- Submit your application and monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Use plain language and avoid specialized acronyms that a hiring manager might not recognize.
- Include specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every job entry to prove specialized experience.
- Ensure your license or certification is clearly legible in your uploaded documents.
- Do not wait until the last minute, as uploaded documents may take time to pass through the system's virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive (NS) and low risk.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
Yes, you may qualify through a combination of graduate-level education in a related field and clinical experience, provided it meets the 100% requirement threshold.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located on-site at the WINN Army Medical Hospital in Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Are there recruitment incentives?
Yes, recruitment incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated health care system serving the Department of Defense. With a mission to provide worldwide medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million beneficiaries, the agency is a leader in medical readiness and patient care. Working for the DHA means becoming part of a mission-focused team that prioritizes the health and strength of those who serve our country.