Embark on a Rewarding Career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant with the VA

Are you a licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) looking to transition your clinical skills into a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an incredible opportunity to serve those who have served our country. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated professional to join their Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) team. This role is not just a job; it is a chance to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our nation's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a COTA at the VA, you will play a critical role in the rehabilitation process. You will work directly under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist to:

Patient Treatment: Implement specialized treatment programs that promote remediation and rehabilitation of acute and chronic dysfunctions.
Assessment: Assist in screening and evaluation by administering delegated assessments and reporting on patient performance.
Device Fitting: Educate patients on the use of durable medical equipment, orthoses, and prostheses to maximize their functional independence.
Collaboration: Act as a key member of the multidisciplinary team, communicating patient progress with physicians, social workers, and nursing staff.
Student Mentorship: Manage and orient students, volunteers, and job shadows, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Requirements

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

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Associate's degree or higher in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted state license is mandatory.
Certification: Must hold a valid NBCOT certification.
Compliance: Candidates must undergo a background investigation and participate in mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination programs.

Salary and Comparison

The position offers a competitive salary structure commensurate with federal pay scales. See the table below for a quick summary of expectations.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$55,882 - $72,644 per year
Location	Montgomery, Alabama
Schedule	8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Clearance	Background/Suitability Check Required
Travel	None

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Access to comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.
Flexible leave policies and generous annual vacation accrual.
Clear pathways for professional growth and clinical advancement.
The deep personal satisfaction of working with the Veteran community.

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Ensure your experience description is clear and specific. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Check Your Documents: Have your transcripts, license, and certification ready to upload. Missing documents can cause your application to be rejected.
Follow Deadlines: The application closes on November 16, 2026. Submit well in advance.

Serving our Veterans is a profound calling. If you possess the required clinical skills and a heart for service, we encourage you to apply for this COTA position with the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. You will be joining a team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence and the well-being of those who have given so much to our country.

Why This Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service team in Montgomery, Alabama. In this role, you will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist to provide high-quality, restorative care to Veterans managing acute and chronic physical, cognitive, and psychological conditions. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your clinical expertise in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment dedicated to enhancing the functional independence and quality of life for our nation's heroes.

Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota)

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
Associate's degree or higher in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
Current, full, and unrestricted state license to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Valid certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Compliance with mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination programs.
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota)

Experience implementing delegated assessments and therapeutic techniques.
Proficiency in recommending and modifying complex adaptive and assistive devices.
Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary treatment plans for patients with diverse diagnoses.
Strong communication skills for patient education and team collaboration.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on years of service.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Access to Federal retirement programs.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Stable work schedule (typically 8:00 am - 4:30 pm).
✓Meaningful work serving the Veteran community.

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cota) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documents (Resume, License, Certification, Transcripts).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 16, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights relevant clinical experience in alignment with the listed KSAs.
Do not leave gaps in your employment history without explanation.
Ensure all uploaded certifications and licenses are current and legible.
Submit your application early to avoid potential technical issues on the closing date.
Verify your eligibility for Veterans' preference and include the necessary DD-214 documents if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The primary mission is to provide restorative, preventive, and rehabilitative occupational therapy services to Veterans to improve their functional independence and safety.

Is this position eligible for remote work or telework?

No, this is an onsite position located in Montgomery, Alabama, and is not eligible for telework.

What happens if my license is not yet active?

In certain circumstances, candidates may be hired on a temporary basis for up to two years while actively pursuing full licensure and certification, provided they meet educational requirements.

Can I apply if I am in the process of getting my license?

*A: Yes, in some cases, you may be appointed on a temporary basis while you actively pursue your credentials, provided you meet specific VA regulatory requirements.*

What is the work schedule like?

*A: The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, subject to agency needs.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to provide excellent care for Veterans, their families, and caregivers. At the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System, we pride ourselves on a "Whole Health" approach, ensuring that every Veteran receives personalized, evidence-based treatment that addresses their physical, mental, and social well-being.