Launch Your Healthcare Career with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a skilled Physical Therapy Assistant looking for a rewarding role that serves those who serve our country? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring dedicated professionals to provide top-tier rehabilitative care at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Therapy Assistant at Fort Sill, you will play an active role in patient recovery. Key responsibilities include:
- Patient Rehabilitation: Designing and executing progressive treatment plans for wounded, ill, and injured patients.
- Clinical Modalities: Applying a range of techniques, including hydrotherapy, diathermy, electrotherapy, massage, and therapeutic exercise.
- Collaboration: Working within an interdisciplinary team to determine the best path for patient reintegration.
- Patient Education: Instructing patients and their families on home care programs, precautions, and contraindications.
- Documentation: Managing patient records and providing accurate, data-driven progress reports.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess either specialized experience or relevant education.
| Qualification Type | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 year at the GS-06 level in a relevant clinical setting. |
| Education | 1 year of graduate-level study in a relevant field (e.g., Kinesiology, Sports Medicine). |
| Documentation | Resume (max 2 pages) and official transcripts if using education. |
Salary and Benefits
This position is classified at the GS-07 grade level, with an annual salary range of $50,460 to $65,599. Beyond base pay, the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Retirement savings programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous paid annual and sick leave policies.
- Potential for student loan repayment assistance.
- Possible recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified new hires.
Application Tips for Success
Federal applications are highly competitive. Follow these steps to improve your chances:
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting more will result in automatic disqualification.
- Detail Your Work History: List hours worked per week, job titles, and specific duties for every role.
- Use Clear Language: Avoid confusing acronyms. The HR team will not make assumptions about your experience.
- Verify Documents: Ensure you upload your transcripts and any professional certifications immediately. Incomplete packages will not be considered.
Working for the Defense Health Agency at Fort Sill is a chance to use your skills for a greater purpose. With competitive pay and the opportunity to help patients recover, this role is a perfect fit for a motivated Physical Therapy Assistant. Apply today via the USAJOBS portal to start your federal career journey.
Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the recovery of our service membersโjoin the Defense Health Agency as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Fort Sill.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Physical Therapy Assistants to join our clinical team at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In this role, you will provide vital rehabilitative care to wounded, ill, and injured patients, helping them regain functionality and improve their quality of life. This is an open continuous announcement, allowing us to fill multiple vacancies as they arise. Candidates may be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives, and salary negotiations may be available for those new to the federal government.
Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level (or equivalent) in a clinical setting.
- Ability to implement physical therapy treatment plans and provide status reports.
- Proficiency with rehabilitation equipment and materials.
- If qualifying via education: Successful completion of one full year of graduate-level study in a relevant field such as Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, or Sports Medicine.
- Submission of academic transcripts is required for all education-based qualifications.
- A resume not exceeding two pages, detailing relevant work history with specific hours worked per week.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Possession of an unrestricted license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant in any state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory.
- Strong communication skills for patient and family instruction.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- โFederal employee health and life insurance programs.
- โPaid annual and sick leave accrual.
- โPotential for student loan repayment assistance.
- โPossibility of recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- โAccess to a comprehensive federal retirement system.
๐ก How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the agency link.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts or professional licenses.
- Submit your complete application package by the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS applicant dashboard.
๐ก General Tips
- Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages; longer resumes will be excluded from consideration.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Use plain language and avoid jargon or acronyms.
- Ensure your transcript is attached if you are using education to qualify.
- Verify that your application status shows as 'received' before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this position is based at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and is not designated for telework.
What happens after I submit my application?
The agency will review your resume and supporting documents to determine eligibility. You will receive an email notification regarding your status.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to the federal service.
Is this a temporary position?
Multiple types of appointments may be filled from this announcement, including permanent and term positions.
Do I need a professional license?
While preferred, you must ensure your resume demonstrates your clinical competency clearly, especially if you possess a current state license.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a partner to the Department of Defense, the DHA ensures that our military community remains healthy and ready for duty, whether at home or abroad. Joining the DHA means becoming part of a worldwide network of inspired professionals committed to excellence in patient care.
