Physical Therapist

Indian Health Service; Shiprock (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Health Service is seeking a licensed Physical Therapist to lead the PT department, shape policies, and manage budgets within a federal healthcare setting. You will provide comprehensive PT services to patients across ages, with a focus on culturally grounded care for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

The role emphasizes clinical leadership, collaboration with medical staff, and ensuring high standards of care across inpatient and outpatient services.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral) in physical therapy with clinical requirements.
• Licensure: Current, active, full, and unrestricted Physical Therapist license; must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the Physical Therapy department, including strategic planning, policy formulation, and budget management.
• Promote training needs of all direct‑care staff to ensure ongoing development and competency.
• Provide quality physical therapy evaluation and treatment to inpatients and outpatients of all ages with a wide variety of diagnostic conditions.
• Provide expert professional consultation to department personnel and medical staff within the assigned Service Unit.
• Plan and carry out a full range of physical therapy treatments.

Education

Ph.D. or doctorate in physical therapy

CAAHEP-accredited PT program

Job description

Summary

Join the IHS as a Physical Therapist and make a lasting impact! You'll provide compassionate, culturally grounded care to American Indian and Alaska Natives, addressing social and emotional needs that affect health. Work with a dedicated team to strengthen wellness, resilience, and community well‑being. Enjoy competitive benefits and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the Physical Therapy department, including strategic planning, policy formulation, and budget management.
• Promote training needs of all direct‑care staff to ensure ongoing development and competency.
• Provide quality physical therapy evaluation and treatment to inpatients and outpatients of all ages with a wide variety of diagnostic conditions.
• Provide expert professional consultation to department personnel and medical staff within the assigned Service Unit.
• Plan and carry out a full range of physical therapy treatments.

Requirements

• A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025.
• Must obtain and maintain medical‑staff clinical privileges and all required licensure or registration.
• U.S. citizenship is required; selective service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Successful completion of a federal background investigation is required.
• Financial suitability assessment will be performed as part of the appointment process.
• On‑call hours or standby duty may be required; rotating shifts (days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays) may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements
  • Education: A physical therapy curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or equivalent; completion of clinical requirements.
  • Licensure: Current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physical Therapist from a State, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; passed the National Physical Therapy Examination.
• Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: 3 years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral) degree.
  • Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS‑9 grade level, including developing treatment plans and providing full‑range therapy.
  • Combination: Education and experience that together meet at least 100% of the required competencies for GS‑11.
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut‑off day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

Benefits

Competitive benefits, including annual leave based on years of service, credit for prior non‑federal experience or active duty military service, and opportunities for student loan repayment programs.

We welcome candidates committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and passionate about upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.