Physical Therapist Job

Indian Health Service

Key Skills:Physical Therapy EvaluationClinical Treatment PlanningStrategic Department ManagementPatient AdvocacyMentorship and Staff SupervisionCultural Competency in HealthcareInterdisciplinary Team Collaboration

Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapist with the Indian Health Service

If you are a dedicated Physical Therapist looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, the Indian Health Service (IHS) offers an unparalleled professional opportunity. We are currently hiring compassionate, skilled therapists to join our interdisciplinary teams in providing high-quality care to American Indian and Alaska Native communities across the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As an IHS Physical Therapist, your role is multifaceted. You will manage and direct physical therapy departments, including strategic planning, policy creation, and budget management. Key responsibilities include:

Performing expert evaluations and treatment for patients of all ages.
Developing comprehensive rehabilitation plans tailored to individual functional goals.
Providing professional consultation to medical staff.
Mentoring staff to ensure high standards of clinical competency and compliance.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-11	GS-12
Scope	Independent PT care	Full range of care + admin/clinical leadership
Experience	1 year specialized or graduate education	1 year specialized at GS-11 equivalent
Focus	Patient rehabilitation	Mentorship, administration, and policy formulation

Requirements

To be considered for these roles, candidates must hold a valid, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy and have graduated from an accredited institution. Because these positions involve contact with vulnerable populations, a background investigation and financial suitability check are required.

Salary and Benefits

Positions with the IHS provide competitive compensation, with current salary ranges between $74,678 and $116,362 annually. Beyond the salary, our employees enjoy the robust benefits package associated with federal service, including pension plans, health insurance, and generous paid time off. Additionally, student loan repayment programs are available for qualifying candidates.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: This ensures you don't miss mandatory fields like hours worked per week.
Complete Assessments Promptly: The USA Hire assessment is a critical gatekeeper in the hiring process.
Detail Your Experience: Don't just list titles; clearly explain how your duties align with physical therapy treatment and administration.

Joining the Indian Health Service is more than just a job; it is a commitment to improving health equity across the nation. If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a sense of purpose, we encourage you to review the open positions and submit your application today.

Why This Physical Therapist Job Matters

Transform lives and build community wellness as a Physical Therapist with the Indian Health Service—where your expertise meets a mission of profound cultural and healthcare impact.

Physical Therapist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated Physical Therapists to join our interdisciplinary teams nationwide. In this role, you will provide critical rehabilitative care to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, addressing complex health needs while fostering resilience and functional independence. From strategic department management to direct patient care across all age groups, you will play a vital role in improving health outcomes in diverse communities. We offer a career defined by service, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of over 2 million individuals.

Requirements for Physical Therapist

U.S. Citizenship.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a Physical Therapist.
Graduation from a Physical Therapy curriculum approved by CAAHEP or a recognized professional accrediting organization.
Passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the FSBPT.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.
Compliance with agency immunization policies (e.g., Influenza, Measles, Rubella).

Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist

Experience managing clinical and administrative functions for a physical therapy department.
Proven history of mentorship and staff development.
Demonstrated expertise in providing comprehensive care for diverse patient age groups.
Experience developing treatment plans that incorporate patient-specific functional mobility goals.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance
✓Retirement Savings Plan (FERS)
✓Generous Annual and Sick Leave Accrual
✓Student Loan Repayment Program eligibility
✓Professional Development and Training
✓Recruitment or Relocation Incentives (may be authorized)

💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physical Therapist Job

Review the full announcement carefully before applying.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure your experience, dates, and duties are fully documented.
Click the Apply Online button and complete the required questionnaires.
Upload all supporting documentation, including transcripts and license verification.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments.
Submit your complete package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Submit your application early to allow time for the mandatory USA Hire assessments.
Be specific in your resume—include total hours worked per week and detailed descriptions of your clinical duties.
Verify your eligibility for Indian Preference and include Form BIA-4432 if applicable.
Maintain regular contact with the HR office and monitor your status through the USAJOBS portal.
Ensure your transcripts are legible and include relevant course titles and grades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational requirement for this position?

You must possess a graduate or higher-level degree in physical therapy from an accredited program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Is travel required for these positions?

Yes, this position is categorized with a travel requirement (Code 1), though specifics may vary by location.

Can I apply for multiple locations?

Yes, during the application process, you may select up to five preferred duty locations.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of our patients to the highest level. We operate in a variety of settings, ranging from bustling urban clinics to remote, community-oriented facilities.