Advance Your Career as an Occupational Therapist with the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans. We are currently seeking a motivated and skilled Occupational Therapist to join the Western Colorado Health Care System in Grand Junction. This position is a unique opportunity to provide direct patient care in an environment that values professional growth, clinical excellence, and work-life balance.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Occupational Therapist, your role will be multifaceted:
- Patient Care: Perform comprehensive evaluations and develop tailored intervention plans to address functional, cognitive, and psychosocial deficits.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with physicians and other clinical staff to ensure coordinated care.
- Case Management: Manage outpatient caseloads while utilizing critical thinking to modify treatment plans.
- Mentorship: Act as a subject matter expert and mentor junior staff members.
- Community Outreach: Conduct home safety evaluations using government-furnished vehicles.
Salary and Grade Overview
This position is structured within the GS pay scale, ranging from GS-9 to GS-12. Below is a breakdown of how the roles differ:
| Grade Level | Focus Area | Requirement Summary |
|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | Entry Level | Basic OT degree and licensure |
| GS-11 | Independent Practitioner | 1 year experience or advanced degree |
| GS-12 | Advanced Practitioner | 1 year experience at GS-11 level |
Salary Range: $73,712 – $138,967 per year.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen, proficient in English, and hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice occupational therapy. You must also hold a current NBCOT certification. Applicants must be able to perform physical duties, including assisting patients with therapy activities and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with exceptional benefits, including federal retirement plans, comprehensive health insurance, and the ability to earn annual leave based on your professional experience. Furthermore, our Grand Junction location offers a high quality of life, with access to skiing, hiking, and the majestic canyons of the Rocky Mountains.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Describe your experience clearly in your resume. Do not rely on assumptions regarding your clinical background.
- Documentation: Ensure all certifications and state licenses are clearly scanned and attached.
- Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on November 9, 2026.
If you are a dedicated professional looking to make a meaningful difference, the VA Western Colorado Health Care System is the place for you. We invite you to apply and become part of a team that honors our Veterans through state-of-the-art care.
Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters
Elevate your clinical career in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The VA Western Colorado Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join our patient-centered team in beautiful Grand Junction.
Occupational Therapist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is looking for a skilled Occupational Therapist to provide high-quality care within our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) department. You will serve our nation's heroes by assessing functional needs, developing personalized intervention plans, and providing compassionate treatment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This role is based in Grand Junction, Colorado, an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
Requirements for Occupational Therapist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy.
- Current NBCOT certification is required.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Ability to perform physical tasks such as bending and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist
- Prior clinical experience in outpatient and inpatient settings.
- Specialized experience with hand therapy.
- Expertise in driver rehabilitation programs.
- Experience with wheelchair evaluation and fitting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package
- ✓Opportunity to earn annual leave based on prior experience
- ✓Supportive work/life balance in a positive clinical environment
- ✓Access to ongoing professional development and continuing education
- ✓Participation in federal retirement programs
💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full position announcement and questionnaire.
- Gather required documents, including your CV, license, and professional certifications.
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the announcement closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed and maps your experience to the required KSAs.
- Double-check that all required documents, such as your current license, are uploaded correctly.
- Address all functional requirements clearly in your documentation.
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the grade level for this position?
This position is open for grades GS-9 through GS-12, depending on experience and qualifications.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Can I work remotely?
This is not a virtual position, though ad-hoc telework may be approved based on departmental needs.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Western Colorado Health Care System serves approximately 16,000 Veterans across 47,000 square miles. Our facility offers a level 3 complexity environment, including surgical services, a Polytrauma Point of Contact site, and an Amputation Clinic Team. We take pride in our mission to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise by serving those who served our country.