Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the Education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is
in this document.
Basic Requirements for Occupational Therapist:
Education: Successfully completed a graduate or higher-level education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as an occupational therapy curriculum approved by the
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education(external link) (ACOTE) or a professional accrediting organization recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained; Completion of the clinical requirements prescribed by the school.
Certification: Applicants must have passed the national examination administered by the
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy(external link) (NBCOT).
Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0631 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) using standardized tests, customized measures, and clinical observations to assess and treat patients; 2) evaluating patient's treatment plan and modifies to meet the patient's needs; and 3) documenting evaluation and treatment according to locally established policies and procedures. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.