Providing Excellence: Occupational Therapist Careers at the Iowa City VA

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our Rehabilitation and Extended Care team. This role is a unique opportunity for clinicians who want to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to those who have served our nation. As a member of our team, you will be on the front lines of rehabilitation, helping Veterans achieve greater independence and improved quality of life.

Comparison of Clinical Environments

Feature	Traditional Private Clinic	Iowa City VA Health Care System
Focus	Profit/Volume	Patient-Centered/Whole Health
Research	Rarely available	Integrated research (CADRE)
Patient Base	General population	Military Veterans
Resources	Variable	Comprehensive federal resources

Job Responsibilities

In this position, you will independently evaluate patients, develop comprehensive treatment plans, and execute clinical interventions. Key duties include:

Clinical Care: Delivering evidence-based OT services to inpatients.
Planning: Designing tailored treatment programs based on psychosocial, cognitive, and physical assessments.
Collaboration: Working closely with interdisciplinary teams, family members, and caregivers.
Administration: Ensuring documentation is accurate and reflects current reimbursement standards.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Hold a degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program.
Possess a current state license and NBCOT certification.
Be proficient in English.
Pass a pre-employment physical and background check.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Vacation leave and federal holidays.
Retirement savings plans.
Comprehensive medical and insurance options.
Access to professional development and continuous education programs.

Application Tips

To stand out during the review process, ensure your resume is highly detailed. Specifically, write to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the announcement, as the hiring committee will not make assumptions about your experience. Submit all necessary documents, including transcripts and license verification, before the deadline.

Serving as an Occupational Therapist at the Iowa City VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and well-being of America's Veterans. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion to make a difference, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Occupational Therapist (Intermittent) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served. Join the Iowa City VA Health Care System as an Occupational Therapist and provide vital, evidence-based care to our nation's Veterans.

Occupational Therapist (Intermittent) Job Overview

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our Rehabilitation and Extended Care service line. This intermittent role focuses on delivering high-quality, inpatient rehabilitation services, including evaluation, individualized treatment planning, and collaborative patient care. You will work within a mission-driven environment committed to Whole Health, ensuring our Veterans receive the functional support they deserve.

Requirements for Occupational Therapist (Intermittent)

United States Citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program
Current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist
Possession of a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Valid, unrestricted state driver's license and ability to pass a pre-employment driving physical
Successful completion of a background/security investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist (Intermittent)

At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level
Demonstrated ability to perform complex clinical problem-solving
Strong skills in fabricating and adapting orthoses and assistive equipment
Experience in conducting clinical in-service training and educational presentations

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package
✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual credit based on prior experience
✓Participation in a nationally recognized Whole Health System of care
✓Access to extensive professional development and continuing education
✓Eligibility for work in a Top-tier clinical and research-focused medical environment

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist (Intermittent) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapist (Intermittent) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume, professional license, NBCOT certification, and academic transcripts.
Review and complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and all required documents by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) explicitly in a separate document for the best results.
Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience and matches the grade requirements listed.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be specific and detailed about your clinical achievements.
Double-check that your transcripts and state licenses are legible and uploaded correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an 'intermittent' work schedule mean?

Intermittent employment is a non-full-time status without a regularly scheduled tour of duty, meaning work may be sporadic and assigned as needed.

Can I apply if I am not yet licensed or certified?

Recent graduates may be appointed as a Graduate Occupational Therapist for up to two years while obtaining certification and licensure, provided they meet specific criteria.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

What is the trial period?

*A: New hires are typically required to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and mission alignment.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served and their families. Since 1952, the Iowa City VA Health Care System has provided exceptional medical care to Veterans across Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois, and Northern Missouri. We are affiliated with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and house the Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), a leading hub for healthcare innovation.