Physical Therapist

Battelle; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Tuition assistance

Comprehensive health coverage

401(k) retirement savings plan

Job summary

A leading research and development organization is seeking a full-time Physical Therapist in Arlington, Virginia. This role focuses on the rehabilitation of military personnel through evaluation, treatment, and coordination with health initiatives. Ideal candidates have a master’s degree in physical therapy, relevant certifications, and must be licensed to practice in the U.S. The position emphasizes both collaborative team efforts and individual patient care documentation, contributing significantly to military health programs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physical therapy required.
• Five years of experience in sports medicine preferred.
• Current license as a Physical Therapist in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal conditions.
• Supervise support staff and collaborate with Human Performance teams.
• Maintain accurate electronic health records and documentation.

Skills

Manual therapy experience

Injury prevention expertise

Collaborative teamwork

Clinical guidelines development

Patient care documentation

Education

Master’s degree in physical therapy

Certification as Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS)

Job description

Join to apply for the Physical Therapist role at Battelle

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi‑national corporation, a small start‑up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

The Health Research and Analytics (HRA) business line is seeking a highly motivated, full‑time Physical Therapist (PT) to join our team in support of our government customer, U.S. Special Operations Command. This position will play a critical role in advancing the Preservation of the Forces and Family (POTFF) program, which is dedicated to optimizing and sustaining the mission readiness, longevity, and performance of Special Operations Forces (SOF). Through integrated and holistic human performance initiatives, POTFF strengthens both the Forces and their families, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve. As a PT, you will contribute to impactful research and analytics that drive evidence‑based decision‑making and enhance the effectiveness of these vital programs.

This position is credentialed to provide direct care, including ordering imaging, laboratory tests, and pharmaceuticals, independently evaluating, treating, and rehabilitating musculoskeletal conditions for SOF personnel. The PT will supervise support staff, collaborate with the Human Performance (HP) and POTFF teams, and serve as an advisor on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and program administration, including equipment reviews, fiscal planning, and development of clinical guidelines. The position ensures safe and effective patient care, participates in ongoing training and meetings, maintains accurate electronic health records and documentation, and supports continuous improvement initiatives within the HP program.

Responsibilities

• Provide evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions
• Evaluate and treat patients with or without referrals as licensed independent practitioners, credentialed as direct care providers in specific military HP settings
• Refer patients to other POTFF staff members as needed
• Provide and perform the following services in support of POTFF’s HP program for SOF personnel, with priority on SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel:
  • Provide musculoskeletal injury care, utilizing approved supplemental clinical privileges including the ordering of imaging studies, laboratory tests, basic pharmaceuticals, and referrals to specialty providers, with consistent, appropriate, and required documentation
  • Directly supervise the PT Tech, PT Assistant, and/or Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) within their scope of practice as directed by HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
  • Participate in periodic meetings with HP and POTFF for reasons such as reviewing care provided to patients and identifying opportunities for improvement
  • Serve as an advisor to the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in matters related to injury prevention, Sports Medicine (SM), and rehabilitation
  • Serve as an advisor to the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator for administrative matters, purchasing supplies and equipment, and supplemental fiscal requests
  • Conduct equipment, product, and literature reviews to ensure the HP program stays current with the provision of care
  • Provide input for the development and utilization of required databases
  • Conduct peer record reviews for the HP Staff as directed
  • Assist the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in developing and updating criteria‑based job descriptions and performance standards
  • Assist the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in developing and maintaining clinical practice guidelines to ensure consistency of care across all HP Training Centers (HPTCs) and associated facilities
  • Assist with the preparation of short and long‑term fiscal plans
  • Submit input to the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
  • Develop and promulgate training materials as requested and required by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
  • Ensure safe and effective operation of equipment used for patient care and contribute to a safe working environment
  • Participate in periodic in‑service training for members of the HP staff or POTFF staff as appropriate
  • Attend required training in accordance with guiding instructions
  • Document care in the Military’s Electronic Health Record, e.g., GENESIS, and/or the HP Enterprise‑wide database, i.e., SPEAR, as directed by HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff
  • Attend and participate in meetings with other POTFF staff members and medical providers as requested and/or required
  • Perform other tasks, within the scope of the PT position description as assigned by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
  • Collect and report all data as requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff
  • Utilize computers, software, and technologies as required and requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator, USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff

Key Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physical therapy
• Certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) or Sports Certified Specialist (SCS), or certification through the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) as a certified athletic trainer (ATC)
• At least five years or more of demonstrable, accumulated experience (continuous and sustained experience preferred) of performing manual therapy in the sports medicine field with individual athletes and groups of athletes (experience at the levels of NCAA Division I, Olympic, professional, and/or SOF Operators preferred) in the accompanying, respective settings
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a Physical Therapist in any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands
• Maintain credentialing requirements in good standing at the local MTF
• Capability of meeting the physical demands of selection and training events including the ability to hike over rough terrain, work long irregular hours with disruption in sleep cycles, and function in austere environments
• Ability to assist with strength and conditioning testing and training protocols and lift and manipulate loads or weights up to 25 kilograms
• Current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) from the American Heart Association, with documentation provided
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physical therapy
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Experience performing manual therapy at the levels of NCAA Division I, Olympic, professional, and/or SOF Operators

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers