Join the Orlando VA Healthcare System as an Occupational Therapist
Are you a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) looking to transition into a mission-driven career? The Orlando VA Healthcare System is currently seeking a motivated and compassionate professional to provide comprehensive rehabilitative care to our nation's Veterans. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in a supportive environment where your work directly impacts the quality of life of those who served.
Job Responsibilities
As an Occupational Therapist at the GS-12 level, you will spend 100% of your time in direct patient care. Your responsibilities include:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Planning and implementing complex treatment programs tailored to individual functional deficits.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with a team of healthcare professionals to ensure cohesive treatment goals.
- Patient Education: Providing training on disease management, home exercise programs, and adaptive equipment usage.
- Technological Integration: Utilizing VA Video Conferencing (VVC) and home exercise software to expand patient access.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate and timely electronic medical records according to strict agency policy.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensure | Current, full, unrestricted state license. |
| Certification | Active NBCOT certification required. |
| Education | ACOTE-accredited degree in Occupational Therapy. |
| Experience | At least 1 year of experience equivalent to GS-11. |
| Physical Demand | Must be able to exert 20-50 lbs of force. |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess proficiency in both written and spoken English. Candidates must hold a valid, unrestricted license and maintain current NBCOT certification. A successful applicant will be subject to a thorough background and security investigation, along with a pre-employment physical exam.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-12 level, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $89,508 to $116,362. The salary is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications, experience, and federal pay regulations.
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support your long-term success, including:
- Health and Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous accrual of paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Professional Growth: Dedicated time and resources for clinical training and continuing education.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Use your resume to clearly outline your clinical experience. Don't leave room for guesswork.
- Highlight Skills: Emphasize your ability to fabricate splints, adjust orthoses, and perform complex functional assessments.
- Prepare Documentation: Have your transcripts and license verification ready before you begin the online application.
- Check Deadlines: The application portal closes strictly at 11:59 PM ET on 11/06/2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary work location? A: The position is based at the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Occasional travel to other sites may be required based on patient demand.
Q: Is there potential for career promotion? A: This position is currently advertised at the full performance level of GS-12 with no further promotion potential.
Q: How do I handle foreign education credentials? A: If you completed your education abroad, you must submit a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript.
Serving our Veterans as an Occupational Therapist is not just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and empathy. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to advance your career within a world-class health system, we encourage you to apply today. Join our mission to provide the highest standard of care to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters
Empower our nation's heroes by providing life-changing rehabilitation care at the Orlando VA Healthcare System.
Occupational Therapist Job Overview
The Orlando VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join our Anesthesia and Physical Medicine team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive, patient-centered clinical care to Veterans, helping them regain independence and enhance their quality of life. This position is ideal for a compassionate professional committed to evidence-based practice within an interdisciplinary environment.
Requirements for Occupational Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice Occupational Therapy
- Current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Graduate of an ACOTE-accredited degree program
- Pre-employment physical examination and background investigation
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist
- Proven experience in outpatient clinical settings
- Professional background in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Demonstrated ability to perform independent patient assessments and treatment planning
- Experience using video conferencing and home exercise software for remote patient education
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Supportive work-life balance through potential ad-hoc telework
💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documentation, including licensure, certifications, and transcripts.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire at the USA Staffing link.
- Upload all required documents, including DD-214 for veterans, if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties.
- Ensure your license and certification information is up to date and clearly listed.
- Review your application thoroughly for errors or missing documents before submission.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 and any relevant preference documentation.
- Check the status of your application via your USAJOBS account dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position in Orlando, Florida. While ad-hoc telework may be possible based on agency policy, the core responsibilities involve direct, in-person patient care.
What level of strength is required?
The position requires medium strength, meaning you must be capable of exerting 20-50 pounds of force occasionally to assist with patient movement and equipment handling.
Do I need a specific degree?
Yes, you must be a graduate of an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program. The specific requirements include either a bachelor's degree with two years of experience (if completed prior to 2005) or a master's/doctoral degree.
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." The Orlando VA Healthcare System is a vital part of the VA Sunshine Health Care Network. Serving East Central Florida, our system includes the main Orlando VA Medical Center and 11 community-based outpatient clinics. We prioritize whole-health care, training future providers, and conducting innovative medical research.