Become an Occupational Therapist with the VA in Temple, TX

Are you a dedicated Occupational Therapist looking to take the next step in your career? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an exceptional opportunity to join the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) in Temple, Texas. This position is perfect for clinicians who are passionate about rehabilitation, patient autonomy, and serving those who have sacrificed for our nation. With competitive pay and the potential for significant student debt relief, this role offers more than just a paycheck—it offers a purpose.

Job Responsibilities

As an Occupational Therapist, your primary role will be to evaluate, develop, and implement treatment plans that address the unique needs of our Veterans. Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Evaluation: Assessing range of motion, muscle strength, motor skills, and functional cognition.
Treatment Implementation: Designing and executing programs to improve activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
Interdisciplinary Care: Serving as a vital member of the rehabilitation team to ensure cohesive treatment goals.
Equipment Management: Fabricating and modifying orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate records in compliance with professional and federal standards.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Licensure	Current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice OT.
Certification	Current NBCOT certification.
Education	Graduation from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program.
Physical	Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range based on experience and grade level (GS-09 to GS-12), ranging from $81,975 to $130,468 per year. In addition to base pay, the position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), providing up to $200,000 toward student loan repayment.

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package:

Work-Life Balance: Standard Monday–Friday schedule.
Retirement: Federal pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Use your resume to provide specific examples of your clinical experience.
Upload Everything: Ensure your transcripts, licenses, and certifications are clearly uploaded.
Meet Deadlines: Submit your application package well before the closing date.

Serving as an Occupational Therapist at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is a rewarding path for any clinical professional. If you have the drive to make a tangible impact on the health and independence of Veterans, we encourage you to apply today and join our mission-focused team.

Why This Occupational Therapist - (Edrp Authorized) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served. The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join our team in Temple, Texas, offering up to $200,000 in student loan repayment through the EDRP.

Occupational Therapist - (Edrp Authorized) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a compassionate Occupational Therapist to provide high-quality, comprehensive care to our nation's Veterans. Based in the heart of Texas, you will work within a Complexity Level 1A medical system, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve functional outcomes, independence, and quality of life for our patients. This role is perfect for a clinician looking to combine clinical excellence with a mission-driven career.

Requirements for Occupational Therapist - (Edrp Authorized)

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
Current, full, active, and unrestricted state licensure to practice Occupational Therapy.
Current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist.
Graduate of an ACOTE-approved Occupational Therapy program.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Ability to complete a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Subject to background and security investigations.

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist - (Edrp Authorized)

Direct experience providing outpatient occupational therapy services for upper extremity and hand conditions.
Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive assessments of functional status for basic and instrumental activities of daily living.
Experience evaluating functional cognition in a clinical setting.
Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills for complex rehabilitation needs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Professional development and continuing education opportunities
✓Stable work-life balance (Monday-Friday schedule)

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist - (Edrp Authorized) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapist - (Edrp Authorized) Job

Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
Prepare your long-form resume, CV, and supporting documents (transcripts, professional licenses, etc.).
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package via the online portal before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your duties.
Clearly link your experience to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job description.
Ensure all educational documents are from accredited institutions and include certificates of equivalency if earned abroad.
Double-check that your license and NBCOT certification are current and documented.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualified applicants.

What is the typical work schedule?

The schedule is a standard Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I apply if I am a recent graduate without a license?

Graduates of approved programs may be appointed on a temporary, time-limited basis while awaiting licensure/certification under specific federal statutes, provided they are supervised by a licensed OT.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is one of the largest integrated healthcare networks in the VA system. Serving 39 counties, CTVHCS operates across multiple locations, including Temple, Waco, and Austin. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military. Working here means joining a team of over 4,000 professionals dedicated to providing world-class whole health care.