Advance Your Career: Supervisory Occupational Therapist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Are you a seasoned occupational therapist ready to step into a leadership role that makes a tangible difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Occupational Therapist to lead rehabilitation services in Houston, Texas. This position offers a unique blend of clinical mastery and administrative oversight, providing the opportunity to shape the future of care for our nation’s heroes.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Occupational Therapist, you will act as a working supervisor. Your responsibilities include:
- Operations Management: Planning work operations, setting priorities, and ensuring quality and productivity standards are met across PT and OT departments.
- Clinical Leadership: Providing guidance to a multidisciplinary staff and fostering a collaborative, evidence-based environment.
- Program Development: Initiating clinic expansion projects, managing resources, and optimizing patient access to care.
- Patient Care: Conducting evaluations and implementing comprehensive treatment plans for a diverse patient population.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet specific requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A valid, unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy.
- Current NBCOT certification.
- Proficient English language skills.
- A physical examination and successful background check.
Salary Overview
This position is categorized under the GS-13 pay scale, reflecting the significant responsibility and experience required for the role.
| Pay Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-13 | $122,749 - $159,575 |
Benefits
Beyond the competitive salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance, as well as a generous federal retirement program. You will also earn significant annual and sick leave, with the potential for credit based on your prior service.
Application Tips
Your resume is the most important document in your application. Ensure it is detailed, specifying your leadership experience and clinical successes. Do not assume the hiring panel knows your background—lay out your responsibilities, achievements, and impact clearly.
If you are a driven leader looking to advance your career in a supportive, mission-focused environment, we encourage you to apply. Join the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and help us provide the world-class care our Veterans deserve.
Why This Supervisory Occupational Therapist Job Matters
Lead a mission-driven team at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, where your clinical expertise as a Supervisory Occupational Therapist directly transforms the lives of our nation's Veterans.
Supervisory Occupational Therapist Job Overview
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic team in Houston, Texas. This is a critical leadership role that blends administrative oversight with direct clinical care. You will oversee Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services across multiple Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), ensuring our Veterans receive compassionate, efficient, and evidence-based care while mentoring a multidisciplinary clinical staff.
Requirements for Supervisory Occupational Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy plus two years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Current NBCOT certification as an Occupational Therapist.
- Full, current, and unrestricted state licensure to practice occupational therapy.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Occupational Therapist
- Experience supervising outpatient rehabilitation teams, including both PT and OT staff.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing services within a CBOC or similar outpatient setting.
- Proven track record in clinic expansion, space planning, and resource allocation.
- Experience using performance data to drive quality improvements and clinical outcomes.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with annual adjustment potential.
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance options.
- âś“Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- âś“Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Opportunities for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior experience.
- âś“Professional development and training opportunities.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Supervisory Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Occupational Therapist Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a detailed resume including duties, dates of employment, and hours worked.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, license, and professional certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 13, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details your supervisory experience, including staff management and workload distribution.
- Be specific about your accomplishments; quantify your impact on clinic operations or patient outcomes wherever possible.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached; missing items can result in disqualification.
- Monitor your email for status updates after the application window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, this announcement is open to the public as well as current federal employees.
What is the work schedule for this role?
The schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though flexibility may be required based on clinic needs.
Is telework available?
Yes, telework is available for this position, though it is not a virtual role and requires presence at the facility.
What if I am not a current federal employee?
This position is open to the public, so external candidates are encouraged to apply.
Is relocation assistance offered?
Currently, recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific opening.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is a flagship institution serving over 151,000 Veterans in southeast Texas. We pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, whole-health care. Working with the VA means joining a mission-driven organization that values excellence, integrity, and innovation.