Embark on a Meaningful Career: Occupational Therapist at the Kerrville VA
Are you a dedicated clinician seeking a role that combines professional challenge with the profound reward of serving those who served our nation? The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is currently seeking a talented Occupational Therapist to join our team in Kerrville, Texas.
Job Responsibilities
As an Occupational Therapist at the Kerrville facility, your work will be diverse and impactful. You will work primarily within the Geriatrics and Extended Care Service, conducting comprehensive assessments and creating individualized intervention plans. Your key duties include:
- Clinical Assessment: Evaluating patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and complex traumatic injuries to determine functional needs.
- Treatment Implementation: Developing and executing evidence-based therapy plans tailored to each Veteran’s specific recovery goals.
- Adaptive Equipment: Fabricating and modifying orthoses, splints, and durable medical equipment to improve quality of life and daily living.
- Collaboration: Partnering with physicians, nurses, and other specialists to provide a holistic care experience.
- Education: Serving as a mentor for students and volunteers while providing clinical training for staff members.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following baseline requirements:
- You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program.
- Possess a current, full, and unrestricted state license.
- Maintain current NBCOT certification.
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Requirements Overview | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-09 | Basic degree/licensure requirements | Entry/Developmental |
| GS-11 | 1 year experience at GS-9 or equivalent | Independent Practice |
| GS-12 | 1 year experience at GS-11 or equivalent | Advanced Clinical/Consultation |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $68,549 to $118,072 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Health insurance plans that can be carried into retirement.
- Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- Participation in the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Ongoing professional education support.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Use your resume to describe your clinical outcomes. Don't just list tasks—explain the results of your interventions.
- Documentation: Have your license, transcript, and any veteran preference forms ready well in advance.
- Follow Instructions: Ensure you complete the full questionnaire linked in the application—failing to do so can result in an incomplete application status.
Working at the Kerrville VA offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of American heroes. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated healthcare team.
Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters
Empower our nation's heroes by providing specialized rehabilitative care in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Join the VA as an Occupational Therapist.
Occupational Therapist Job Overview
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) in Kerrville is seeking a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our Geriatrics and Extended Care team. In this role, you will play a vital part in assessing and treating Veterans with complex needs, helping them restore functional independence and enhance their quality of life. This is a unique opportunity to work within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to the whole-health care of those who served our country.
Requirements for Occupational Therapist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy
- Current NBCOT certification
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist
- Clinical experience in geriatrics or extended care settings
- Experience with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or limb loss recovery
- Demonstrated ability to fabricate and modify orthoses and adaptive equipment
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical reasoning skills for complex, multi-trauma patient cases
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- âś“Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
- âś“Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and clinical training
- âś“Eligibility for service credit toward annual leave based on prior experience
đź’ˇ How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume or curriculum vitae.
- Gather supporting documents like transcripts, licenses, and veteran preference proof (if applicable).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of May 3, 2027.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed, clearly linking your past experience to the required KSAs mentioned in the job posting.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; provide specific examples of your clinical successes.
- Check for all required documentation early to avoid issues near the closing deadline.
- Make sure your contact information is up to date in the USAJOBS system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am currently a graduate student?
Yes, under specific circumstances, you may be appointed as a graduate OT pending licensure, but you must meet all educational requirements and be actively pursuing your credentials.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work environment like in Kerrville?
The Kerrville VA is part of the expansive South Texas Veterans Health Care System, providing a collaborative environment focused on geriatrics, extended care, and rehabilitative medicine.
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is an onsite position in Kerrville, Texas, with limited ad-hoc telework options.*
What if I am a recent graduate?
*A: Recent graduates who meet the educational requirements but are still awaiting licensure or certification may be eligible for temporary graduate appointments.*
How do I track my application?
*A: You can check your status anytime through your USAJOBS account portal.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed 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." By joining the STVHCS, you become part of one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare networks in the United States, providing primary and specialized care to over 114,000 Veterans.