Advance Your Career as a Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist at the VA
Are you a seasoned Physical Therapist looking for a role that combines high-level clinical autonomy with the opportunity to serve those who have served our country? The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is hiring a Clinical Specialist to drive excellence in patient outcomes within our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Specialist, you will act as a subject matter expert, handling a caseload from PACT clinics. Key duties include:
- Direct Clinical Care: Evaluating patients with musculoskeletal deficits and developing individualized treatment plans.
- Advanced Procedures: Managing direct access patients, performing dry needling, and prescribing assistive technology.
- Telehealth Leadership: Spearheading physical therapy services via telehealth to support rural Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
- Mentorship: Assisting in the education and supervision of physical therapy students and junior staff.
- Program Development: Improving clinical workflows and participating in multidisciplinary care meetings.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Doctorate in Physical Therapy, or Master's/Bachelor's degree with requisite experience.
- Licensure: Current, unrestricted state license.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Physicality: Must meet the physical demands of the role (lifting, bending, and standing).
Comparison of Qualifications
| Level | Requirement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-13 Specialist | Doctorate or equivalent experience | Advanced clinical interventions |
| Clinical Focus | 2,000+ hours in specialty area | Direct specialty care |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $118,675 to $154,280 per year. Benefits include comprehensive federal health and life insurance, generous annual leave, and a robust federal retirement package.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the VA-specific clinical resume template.
- Highlight Skills: Explicitly detail your hours of clinical practice in your specialty area.
- Stay Organized: Check your email for updates after your application submission.
If you are ready to elevate your career and make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to apply to the VA ECHCS today. This role provides the perfect balance of professional challenge and meaningful work.
Why This Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Pact Job Matters
Advance your physical therapy career as a Clinical Specialist with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, providing essential, high-impact care to our nation's Veterans.
Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Pact Job Overview
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is seeking a highly skilled Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) to join our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. This role focuses on supporting outpatient clinics and PACT initiatives, including telehealth services for rural populations. You will work with autonomy to develop individualized treatment plans, mentor staff, and serve as a clinical subject matter expert.
Requirements for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Pact
- U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise permitted by VA policy).
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Completion of a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, or a Master's degree with two years of experience, or a Bachelor's degree with five years of experience.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation and drug screening.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Pact
- Experience supporting primary care teams with direct patient access or warm hand-offs.
- Experience operating programs for rural patient populations, including telehealth delivery.
- Board certification in a relevant specialty area recognized by the ABPTS.
- Completion of a formal physical therapy fellowship program.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and guide multidisciplinary clinical teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for continuing professional education
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art medical facilities and research
- ✓Work-life balance with professional clinical autonomy
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Pact Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Pact Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Download the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
- Prepare your full resume/CV, transcripts, and relevant professional licenses.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all supporting documents before the closing date of July 21, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and clear about your clinical hours and specialty certifications in your resume.
- Ensure your resume clearly aligns with the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) listed in the announcement.
- Upload the standard VA Clinical Resume Document into the restricted two-page slot, and your full CV into the 'Other' documents field.
- Verify your license status and ensure all supporting documentation is legible and up to date.
- Double-check your submission status in your USAJobs account after applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is not a virtual position. While some duties involve telehealth, you are expected to work at the ECHCS facility in Aurora, Colorado.
What is the physical nature of this role?
The role requires regular physical exertion, including standing, walking, bending, and assisting patients. While the VA has a 'No Patient Lift' policy utilizing mechanical aids, candidates must maintain good physical conditioning.
What is the 'No Patient Lift' policy?
The VA ECHCS prioritizes staff safety by providing mechanical lifts for patient transfers, eliminating the need for manual patient lifting.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The ECHCS, located in the vibrant Aurora, Colorado area, is a state-of-the-art teaching facility that fosters research, innovation, and clinical complexity. We offer an environment where professionals can thrive, balancing a fulfilling career with a high quality of life.