Advance Your Career as an Occupational Therapist at Brooke Army Medical Center
Are you a dedicated Occupational Therapist looking to elevate your practice while serving those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled clinician to join the medical team at the prestigious Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This position offers not just a career, but a mission-driven path to provide high-quality care to military service members, retirees, and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As an Occupational Therapist at this facility, your primary duty is to facilitate the functional restoration of patients through evidence-based interventions. You will:
- Conduct thorough patient evaluations using standardized assessment tools and clinical observation.
- Develop and execute complex, goal-oriented treatment plans for patients with varying degrees of impairment.
- Provide technical oversight and collaborate effectively with Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs).
- Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures for therapy programs.
- Recommend adaptive equipment and orthotic devices to improve patient independence.
- Participate as a subject matter expert in multidisciplinary meetings and conferences.
Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Therapy Roles
| Feature | Standard Private Practice | Federal/DHA Role |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Population | General Public | Military/Family/Retirees |
| Benefits | Varies | Comprehensive Federal Package |
| Career Growth | Limited to Firm Structure | Robust Federal Career Path |
| Incentives | Performance Bonuses | Relocation/Recruitment/Loan Repayment |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited institution.
- Certification: Must possess a passing score on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Documentation: Clear, concise resume and proof of active licensure/certification are mandatory.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $90,823 to $118,072. This salary includes applicable locality pay and market supplements, ensuring a fair and attractive compensation package based on your expertise.
Benefits
Working for the federal government comes with distinct advantages, including:
- Potential for Student Loan Repayment assistance.
- Recruitment and relocation incentives.
- Excellent federal health and retirement benefits.
- A structured environment focused on professional growth and mission success.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Remember that your resume is the most important document in your application package. Keep it to two pages, ensure all dates and hours of work are clear, and highlight your experience with patient assessment and treatment planning. Double-check that all supporting documents are correctly uploaded and have cleared the system's virus scan before the closing date.
This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your skills in a high-impact environment. By contributing to the health of our military community, you will play a vital role in ensuring the readiness and well-being of the Joint Force. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenging yet rewarding career, submit your application today.
Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters
Transform lives and support our nation's heroes as an Occupational Therapist at the renowned Brooke Army Medical Center.
Occupational Therapist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join the medical team at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive care, develop complex treatment plans, and help patients overcome functional impairments to improve their quality of life. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve military service members and their families within an integrated, world-class healthcare system.
Requirements for Occupational Therapist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a graduate or higher degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-approved program.
- Must have passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Ability to provide clinical oversight and technical supervision to Occupational Therapy Assistants.
- Must undergo and pass a drug test.
- Must be able to fulfill the requirements of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist
- Proven experience in developing goal-oriented treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Strong proficiency in utilizing standardized evaluation tools and clinical observations.
- Expertise in recommending adaptive equipment and modern orthotic devices.
- Experience in writing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for therapy departments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary range with locality pay.
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment.
- ✓Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Supportive work environment within the Department of Defense.
💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly documenting relevant experience, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided application link.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and proof of current licensure/certification.
- Verify the completeness of your application package before submission.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; longer resumes will be excluded from consideration.
- Avoid acronyms and industry jargon; use plain language to describe your accomplishments.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience, including employer names and hours worked per week.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the deadline.
- If using foreign education, ensure you provide documentation of its U.S. equivalency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and requires on-site presence.
Can I substitute education for the required work experience?
No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements through experience alone.
What happens if my resume exceeds the two-page limit?
Resumes that exceed the two-page limit will be removed from consideration.
What is the closing date for this position?
Applications must be submitted by November 3, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this specific role.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
While this position has a set grade, the Department of Defense offers vast opportunities for internal mobility and growth across the DHA network.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical services across the Department of Defense. With a reach covering more than 9.5 million beneficiaries, the agency is committed to excellence in medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. By joining the DHA, you become part of a global network of dedicated professionals striving to build health and medical readiness anytime, anywhere.