Physical Therapist (Combat Air Forces) (Shaw AFB, SC) (48831)

GAP SOLUTIONS INC; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GAP Solutions Inc. is seeking a qualified Physical Therapist to support Air Force fighter aircrew at Shaw AFB, SC. You will assess and treat MSK conditions, focusing on prevention and performance optimization in an embedded healthcare setting.

Requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (CAPTE) and 5+ years of outpatient orthopedic or sports PT experience; CPR/AED current; ability to obtain a Secret clearance. Collaboration with active duty and reserve components is required.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program.
• 5+ years of experience as an Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist or Sports Physical Therapist.

Responsibilities

• Examine, diagnose, treat and manage neuromusculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and related structures.
• Provide direct access evaluation for acute MSK conditions in an embedded setting.
• Order diagnostic studies and refer to Military Health Providers as needed.
• Perform work assignments in compliance with DHA/MDG policies.
• Educate patients on the rehabilitation process.

Skills

Effective communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (CAPTE)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details: Level: Experienced | Location: US Air Force/ACC - Shaw AFB, SC (29152) | Position Type: Full Time | Education Level: Ph.D. | Travel Percentage: None | Job Shift: Day | Job Category: Health Care

This requirement supports Air Force fighter squadrons in Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), and other MAJCOMs as needed. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, noting a shortage of fighter aircrew due to suboptimal retention, directed a task force to investigate the causes of premature departures. One key issue identified was pain and disability from neck and back injuries caused by the extreme physical demands of flying fighters. Aircrew surveys from 2020 to 2024 indicate up to 99% of fighter pilots experience flying‑related spinal pain during their careers. These issues—affecting the neck, upper back, and lower back—impact cockpit performance, daily activities, readiness, and retention. Additionally, as the U.S. Air Force continues to prepare for conflict against peer competitors, our Warfighters face increasing cognitive performance demand, driven by rapidly advancing technologies leveraged both by allies and adversaries. Effective integration of physical and cognitive performance training is required for success in complex, denied environments.

The OHWS program addresses these concerns by preparing aircrew for the unique demands of fighter operations. Additionally, Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports estimate replacement costs exceed $10M per pilot, reinforcing the high return on investment for Optimizing the Human Weapons System (OHWS) services in improving retention and readiness.

The objective will be accomplished by increasing the physical and mental capacity of fighter aircrew, decreasing the rate of injuries, and accelerating return to duty. Contractor personnel shall collaborate with active duty (AD), Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve Component (AFRC) fighter aircrew to optimize physical and mental performance with a focus on neck and back pain prevention while monitoring, analyzing, and resolving associated musculoskeletal (MSK) physical readiness concerns.

Position Objective

To serve as a Physical Therapist in support of all permanently assigned or visiting active‑duty Air Force Fighter Aircrew (11Fs/12Fs/11RXJ) responsible for all administrative and clinical management within scope of practice for HPO services as an independent embedded healthcare provider. Utilize a range of principles and methodologies to provide examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcome assessment for assigned personnel to include but not limited to operational provision of care associated with individual assessments, injury prevention and human performance interventions of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in support of personnel readiness.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete all unit and Medical Group (MDG) in‑processing requirements, to include computer‑based training as required by the Department of Defense, Air Force or the Medical Group, online Relias health training, MHS Genesis training, and newcomer's orientation.
• Complete an in‑processing evaluation/assessment for all newly assigned personnel.
• Examine, diagnose, treat and manage neuromusculoskeletal disorders, injuries, associated structures and systems that may impair movement or function.
• Provide direct access (i.e., no referral needed) evaluation for acute MSK and neuromuscular conditions in an embedded setting.
• Order diagnostic laboratory, imaging studies, consultations and refer patients to Military Health Providers (MHP).
• Perform and recommend physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, performance optimization, ergonomic evaluation, wellness, screening, concussion management and promotion of health‑lifestyle activities.
• Educate patients on the rehabilitation process.
• Initiate, continue and terminate temporary profiles to include placing patients on quarters.
• Perform work assignments in compliance with instructions, policies, or accepted practices of DHA and MDG requirements.
• Conduct required clinical and non‑clinical administrative responsibilities and maintain patient care records in accordance with the latest DHA PM 6025.02 Volume1.
• Advise unit commanders on matters related to injury prevention and rehabilitation. Identify opportunities for improvement to include developing protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) for PT programs.
• Advise the site Government POC of administrative matters, purchasing of required supplies and equipment, and supplemental fiscal requests related to interventions and professional services provided.
• Ensure safe and effective operation of equipment is used for patient care and contributes to a safe working environment.
• Attend all unit and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) meetings as required or as requested by the Unit Commander or his/her designee.
• Prepare and submit data to a comprehensive Human Performance Measures of Effectiveness Report (HP‑MER).
• Document Aircrew assessments, encounters, and contacts as directed by the OHWS Program Office within72hours of assessments, encounters, or contacts with Aircrew Members. Provide associated information, data, and support to other Government entities (e.g., Air Force Research Lab) as routed through the OHWS Program Office for review and written concurrence.
• Provide Individual Training Plans after initial assessment, including individual fitness assessment results, feedback sessions, unique training plans, and any modifications as appropriate to achieve goals.
• Monitor access to care and employ electronic systems, software programs, and databases for patient care documentation and administrative responsibilities within72hours of assessments, encounters or contacts with Aircrew members.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited program.
• 5 or more years of experience as an Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist or Sports Physical Therapist.
• Must show recency within the last 2 years consistent with DHA‑PM and have active, verifiable experience in the discipline within the last two years.
• ABPTS Board Certified or Sports Clinical Specialist Certification, or Orthopedic or Sports Residency / Fellowship Trained, or advanced competency in dry needling level2 and Manual Therapy Certification.
• Current CPR and AED trained.
• Demonstrated experience in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man‑machine high‑performance environment.
• Must have the ability to be processed for a Secret Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.