Physical Therapist

Indian Health Service; Wanblee (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the IHS as a Physical Therapist and make a lasting impact by delivering compassionate, culturally grounded care to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. You will address social and emotional health factors while collaborating with a dedicated team to strengthen wellness and community well‑being.

As a leader in the Physical Therapy department, you will oversee planning, staff development, and comprehensive patient care for diverse conditions, with opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Education: CAAHEP‑approved PT program with clinical requirements.
• Licensure: active, full PT license in the US or equivalent.
• Eligibility: U.S. citizenship and federal background check.
• On‑call and rotating shifts may be required across days/evenings/nights.
• Selective service registration for males born after 1959.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Physical Therapy department including planning, policy, and budget.
• Promote training needs of direct‑care staff for ongoing development.
• Provide PT evaluation and treatment to inpatients and outpatients of all ages.
• Provide professional consultation to department personnel and medical staff.
• Plan and carry out a full range of PT treatments.

Skills

Physical Therapy

Leadership

Education

CAAHEP‑approved PT curriculum

Active PT licensure

PhD-level coursework (3 years toward)

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.