Launch Your Career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Defense Health Agency

Are you a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) at Kimbrough, located at Fort Meade, Maryland, is currently seeking a highly motivated professional to support its Surgery Department. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential care to service members, retirees, and their families within the Department of Defense's integrated healthcare network.

Job Responsibilities

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, your day-to-day role will be instrumental in the recovery process of your patients. Key responsibilities include:

Executing occupational therapy treatment plans under the guidance of a licensed OT.
Assisting in the delivery of therapy focused on strength, coordination, and daily living skills.
Utilizing adaptive technology, splints, and specialized therapy equipment.
Monitoring patient progress and clearly documenting status reports.
Educating patients and their families on safety, home programs, and device usage.
Contributing to quality assurance and clinical operations.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Licensure	Current, active, and unrestricted OTA license
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent
Education	Graduate education (optional substitution for experience)
Testing	Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $57,736 to $75,059 per year, commensurate with experience and including applicable locality pay.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:

Health insurance packages for individuals and families.
Federal pension and retirement savings (TSP).
Generous leave programs, including annual and sick time.
Opportunities for career mobility within the DHA system.

Application Tips

Mind the Limit: Your resume MUST be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit are automatically excluded.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly state hours per week and specific duties for every listed job.
Submit Documentation: Do not forget to attach your valid license and transcripts if using education for qualification.

This position at Fort Meade offers more than just a job; it provides a platform to apply your clinical skills where they matter most. If you are ready to serve those who protect our nation, apply today through the USAJOBS portal.

Why This Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Matters

Elevate your career in clinical rehabilitation while making a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve—join the Defense Health Agency at Fort Meade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the Surgery Department at Kimbrough. In this vital role, you will work under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist to deliver high-quality rehabilitative care, supporting patients in their journey toward improved mobility, strength, and independence.

Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a current, active, valid, and unrestricted Occupational Therapy Assistant license or certification.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level, including implementing treatment plans and providing status reports.
Must successfully pass a drug test.
Completion of a one-year probationary period upon hiring.

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapy Assistant

Graduate-level education in fields such as Physical Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Sports Medicine, or Exercise Science.
Strong communication skills for patient education and team collaboration.
Proficiency in clinical documentation and quality assurance protocols.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Paid vacation and federal holidays.
✓Structured clinical career development.
✓Direct deposit of pay.
✓Opportunity to serve military families.

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapy Assistant Job

Log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Upload required transcripts and your active state license.
Submit the complete application package before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for each role.
Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Use plain, clear language and avoid proprietary acronyms.
Verify that your uploaded license copy is clearly legible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum resume length allowed?

Your resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

Is a license required to apply?

Yes, you must submit a copy of your current, valid, and unrestricted Occupational Therapy Assistant license or certification with your application.

Can I use education to qualify?

Yes, you may qualify through a combination of relevant graduate-level education and clinical experience.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, subject to agency determination.*

Can I apply if my degree is from a foreign university?

*A: Yes, but you must provide evidence that the education is equivalent to a U.S. accredited program through a professional evaluation service.*

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is a premier healthcare system tasked with delivering high-quality medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million beneficiaries. By joining this team, you become a strategic partner in ensuring the health and readiness of the Joint Force, operating in an environment that prioritizes excellence, compassion, and professional growth.