Skip to content

Occupational Therapist

Indian Health Service · Department of Health and Human Services

PermanentFull-timeSecurity clearance required
Salary
$74,678 – $97,087/yr
Pay grade
GS 11
Openings
1
Posted
Oct 27, 2026
Closes
Closes in 6 days

Summary

This position is located at the Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital, Crow Agency Montana, providing outpatient and inpatient services. This position will also potentially see and follow patients at other facilities within the Crow Service Unit (Lodge Grass and Pryor Clinics).

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

  • Clinical Duties - Plans, organizes and manages the occupational therapy program including such responsibilities as occupational therapy policies and procedures, quality assurance, risk management and infection control, Joint Commission preparation (ongoing), Strategic planning, monthly and annual reports, attendance at required meetings, patient and staff education, supervision of subordinate personnel, students and volunteers.
  • Provide clinical specialist consultation/ advanced instruction/peer and chart review and services at other IHS facilities which may include health centers, health stations, other Service Units and schools within the Service area and Crow Area.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.


BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
EDUCATION:
A graduate or higher level degree that included:
-An occupational therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (ACOTE) or a professional accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of degree was obtained; and
-Completion of the clinical requirements prescribed by the school.

CERTIFICATION: Applicants must have passed the national examination administered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Must submit copy of Certification

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks:

GS-11 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: GS-11: Program planning, monitoring, and adhering to established Occupational Therapy Performance, Provide Occupational Therapy consultation, evaluation and treatment for inpatient and outpatient clinics. Customize treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities, job site evaluations, recommendations, performance skills assessment, etc. Promote prevention on injury and/or disease.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

If you are substituting education for experience; You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Requirements

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.


Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.
A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.
Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.
Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Benefits

This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

Apply for this role

Applications are handled on the official USAJOBS site — we never sit between you and the employer. You'll find full duties, qualifications and the application form there.

Apply on USAJOBS

Similar open jobs

Explore more

Source: USAJOBS / U.S. Office of Personnel Management. HealthJobsFinderUSA is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.