Providing Excellence in Care: Occupational Therapist Opportunities at the VA
The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) is dedicated to providing world-class, compassionate care to the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. We are currently looking for a talented and autonomous Occupational Therapist to join our Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) team in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This role is perfect for a clinician who thrives in a dynamic, independent environment and is committed to improving the quality of life for our aging and home-bound Veteran population.
Job Responsibilities
As an HBPC Occupational Therapist, you will function with a high degree of independence. Your day-to-day duties will include:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Assessing functional and safety needs within the Veteran’s home environment.
- Treatment Planning: Creating and modifying evidence-based treatment plans to meet specific health goals.
- Caregiver Training: Educating families on mobility techniques and safe daily living procedures.
- Equipment Management: Evaluating, ordering, and training patients on durable medical equipment and orthotics.
- Team Collaboration: Working closely with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, social workers, and nurses to ensure cohesive care.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific federal standards:
- Education & Licensing: A degree in occupational therapy, valid NBCOT certification, and a current, unrestricted state license.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Compliance: Must pass a security investigation and pre-employment physical.
- Mobility: Ability to operate a government vehicle and provide a clean driving record.
Comparison of Typical OT Settings
| Feature | Hospital Setting | Home Based Primary Care |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Controlled / Clinical | Patient's Home |
| Autonomy | Moderate | High |
| Schedule | Fixed Shifts | Flexible / Community-Based |
| Focus | Acute Recovery | Long-term Independence |
Salary Overview
This position is listed at the GS-12 grade level, with an annual salary range between $107,048 and $139,166 depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Generous Retirement Benefits (Pension + Thrift Savings Plan)
- Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
- Career growth and continuing education opportunities
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is detailed. Clearly define your experience using bullet points that explain the scope of your work and the results you achieved. Do not leave out dates of employment or average hours worked, as these are critical for HR verification.
Serving our Veterans through home-based care is a profound way to apply your clinical skills. If you are a licensed Occupational Therapist ready to step into a role of independence and purpose, we encourage you to review the full details and apply before the November 6, 2026, deadline.
Why This Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by providing life-changing, home-based occupational therapy services in Arkansas.
Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care Job Overview
The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) is seeking a dedicated and autonomous Occupational Therapist for our Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) team. In this role, you will travel to Veterans' homes in the North Little Rock area to provide vital rehabilitative services, perform home safety assessments, and empower Veterans to maintain independence in their own living environments. This is a unique opportunity to function as a key member of an interdisciplinary team, blending clinical expertise with compassionate care to support those who served our country.
Requirements for Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist.
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted state licensure to practice OT.
- Completion of a degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
- Passing of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Ability to independently operate a government vehicle with a clean driving record.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care
- Experience in geriatric care settings.
- Previous professional experience in home health environments.
- Prior experience working as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Demonstrated ability to perform complex clinical reasoning and adaptive equipment modification.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Competitive salary based on GS-12 pay scale
- ✓Life insurance programs
💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare your long-form resume ensuring it includes job titles, specific duties, and dates of employment.
- Gather supporting documentation such as transcripts, licensure, and, if applicable, military service records (DD-214) or disability letters.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your entire application package before the closing date of 11/06/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes hours worked per week, as this is required for experience credit.
- Be specific in your resume; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your previous experience.
- Verify that your licensure and certifications are current and documented.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is clear and legible.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary work setting for this position?
This position is home-based; you will be conducting clinical assessments and treatments within the homes of Veterans in the North Little Rock, AR area.
Is travel required?
Yes, travel to various locations including Cabot, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville is required to conduct home visits.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
This position is at the GS-12 level, which is considered a full performance level.
Is this a remote position?
While there is some flexibility, this is a field-based position requiring travel to homes within the North Little Rock area.
What if I have foreign education?
You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcripts to be considered.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a leader in integrated healthcare. At CAVHS, we provide comprehensive services across two main campuses in Little Rock and North Little Rock. As part of the VA team, you will be joining a mission-driven organization that values excellence, integrity, and, most importantly, the well-being of those who have secured our freedoms.