Transforming Lives: Careers in Occupational Therapy at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Are you a dedicated Occupational Therapist looking to merge your clinical expertise with a mission of service? The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is currently inviting applications for an Occupational Therapist position. This role offers the opportunity to work at a prestigious facility that serves over 151,000 Veterans, providing essential rehabilitation services that directly improve quality of life.
Job Responsibilities
As an Occupational Therapist within the Spinal Cord Injury and General Rehabilitation units, your day-to-day work will be dynamic and impactful. Key responsibilities include:
- Comprehensive Evaluations: Assessing patients for functional deficits, range of motion, cognitive abilities, and sensory processing.
- Treatment Implementation: Developing and modifying individualized care plans that include group and individual therapy sessions.
- Adaptive Equipment: Fabricating and adjusting orthoses, splints, and other adaptive devices to promote independence.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working closely with physicians, physical therapists, and caregivers to ensure holistic treatment success.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Grade Level | Requirements | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | Basic Requirements met | Foundational patient care |
| GS-11 | 1 year at GS-9 or higher level | Advanced assessment and therapy |
| GS-12 | 1 year at GS-11 level | Complex problem solving & training |
Requirements & Qualifications
To be considered, you must be a U.S. Citizen with a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice. Expertise in orthopedics, neurological disorders, or major trauma recovery is highly preferred. Additionally, you must be proficient in English and be comfortable working in a fast-paced medical environment.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $71,181 to $134,195 per year. Beyond the salary, employees gain access to comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Robust health insurance coverage.
- Retirement plans through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous vacation and sick leave accrual policies.
- Opportunities for specialized clinical training.
How to Apply and Tips
Applicants must complete the full questionnaire on the official USAJOBS portal by November 13, 2026. Be thorough when listing your professional history. Ensure every duty description includes dates of employment and hours worked. Do not hesitate to include volunteer experiences that provided relevant clinical training, as these are valued in the federal hiring process.
Serving as an Occupational Therapist at the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the wellbeing of American Veterans. If you are ready to apply your skills in a setting where every intervention makes a tangible difference, we encourage you to submit your application to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center today.
Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the dedicated rehabilitation team at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
Occupational Therapist Job Overview
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our Spinal Cord Injury and General Rehabilitation units. This role is essential for providing high-quality, patient-centered care to our Veterans. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to evaluate functional deficits, develop personalized treatment plans, and help patients regain independence in their daily lives. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in a supportive, mission-driven healthcare environment.
Requirements for Occupational Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply in rare recruitment circumstances).
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
- Current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
- Current certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist
- Proven experience in inpatient rehabilitation settings.
- Clinical knowledge of orthopedics, neurological disorders, and complex multiple trauma cases.
- Ability to independently solve complex problems related to orthoses, splinting, and adaptive equipment.
- Strong communication skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams and patient families.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Supportive and inclusive work environment
💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.gov.
- Review the full job announcement and required documents checklist.
- Prepare your long-form resume, ensuring it includes duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including your professional license and transcripts.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on November 13, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your relevant experience; do not rely on assumptions.
- Double-check that all required documents (SF-50s for federal employees, licenses, certifications) are uploaded.
- Monitor your email for status updates after submitting your application.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD-214 to claim preference points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am currently a graduate student?
Graduate OTs may be eligible for temporary, full-time appointments under specific conditions while working toward licensure and certification, provided they have graduated from an approved program.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though weekend or holiday coverage may be required based on facility needs.
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this is an onsite clinical position that requires direct patient interaction at the medical center.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is a cornerstone of this mission in southeast Texas, known for its commitment to compassionate whole-health care and clinical excellence.