Embark on a Fulfilling Career as an Occupational Therapist with the VA

Are you a dedicated Occupational Therapist (OT) looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Buffalo, New York, is currently seeking a passionate clinical professional to join its Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation service. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing compassionate, whole-health care to those who have served.

Job Responsibilities

As an Occupational Therapist, your duties will span various clinical and patient care areas. Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Evaluation: Performing comprehensive assessments of functional and occupational roles using both standardized and non-standardized tools.
Treatment Planning: Designing and implementing complex intervention plans tailored to individual patient goals, ranging from daily living activities (ADL) to psychosocial participation.
Adaptive Solutions: Recommending, fabricating, and modifying orthoses, splints, and assistive technology to enhance patient independence.
Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Collaborating with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other allied health professionals to ensure holistic care.
Education: Instructing students, mentoring staff, and educating patients and families on the safe use of medical equipment.

Requirements

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

Education: A degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
Licensure: Current, full, and unrestricted state licensure to practice in the United States.
Certification: Active National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) credentials.
Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship (with rare exceptions for non-citizens).
Physical Standards: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.

Grade Comparison Overview

Grade Level	Education/Experience Requirements
GS-9	Base requirements met; entry-level
GS-11	One year of GS-9 experience or equivalent graduate education
GS-12	One year of GS-11 experience and advanced clinical KSAs

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $64,543 to $121,680 per year. In addition to salary, employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package including generous annual leave, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement plans. The VA values your work-life balance and provides a supportive environment for long-term career growth.

How to Apply

Prepare your documentation: Ensure your CV or long-form resume is current and detailed.
Visit the Portal: Navigate to the federal job application site to create an account.
Complete the Questionnaire: You must finish the occupational assessment to be considered.
Submit: Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of November 5, 2026.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for an Occupational Therapist who wants to combine clinical skill with a sense of purpose. By supporting the recovery and wellness of Veterans in Buffalo, you contribute to a mission that changes lives. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply before the closing date and become a vital part of the Western New York VA team.

Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters

Empower our nation's heroes through dedicated clinical care—join the VA as an Occupational Therapist in Buffalo, NY.

Occupational Therapist Job Overview

The Western New York VA Medical Center is seeking a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join its Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team. This role offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, comprehensive clinical care to Veterans, helping them regain independence and enhance their quality of life. You will work within an interdisciplinary environment, managing a diverse caseload and contributing to both individual and group therapeutic interventions.

Requirements for Occupational Therapist

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only when qualified citizens are unavailable).
Must be a graduate of an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted state licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
Current NBCOT certification.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist

At least one year of professional experience in an outpatient occupational therapy setting.
Strong clinical reasoning skills to independently adapt treatment plans for complex patient needs.
Experience with orthotic fabrication, splinting, and adaptive equipment modification.
Demonstrated ability to instruct and supervise OT students during clinical rotations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
✓Participation in federal retirement programs and health insurance plans
✓Mission-driven work environment with a focus on holistic patient care
✓Access to state-of-the-art medical and rehabilitative facilities

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job

Create or log into your account on the official federal employment portal.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
Prepare and upload a comprehensive long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae.
Submit all required supporting documentation, such as transcripts, professional licenses, and relevant SF-50 forms.
Review your application package for accuracy before the submission deadline.
Monitor your email for status updates regarding your application and potential interview scheduling.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience, as the hiring team cannot make assumptions.
Highlight specific instances of patient evaluation, treatment planning, and equipment modification to showcase your skills.
Submit all required documents early to avoid potential technical issues on the closing date.
Clearly define your experience as either paid or unpaid, including any relevant volunteer work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary for this role ranges from $64,543 to $121,680 per year, depending on the selected candidate's grade level and experience.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

This position generally requires U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed under specific circumstances where it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site, in-person clinical position at the Western New York VAMC in Buffalo.

What is the trial period for this role?

*A: New hires typically serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

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

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 in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the Western New York VAMC means becoming part of an interdisciplinary team that prioritizes excellence, innovation, and respect. As an OT here, you will contribute directly to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial recovery of our Veterans.