Advance Your Career as a Physical Therapy Assistant at Irwin Army Community Hospital

Are you a skilled Physical Therapy Assistant looking to make a meaningful impact? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking compassionate, results-oriented professionals to join our rehabilitation team at Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) in Fort Riley, Kansas. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the readiness and recovery of the brave men and women who serve in our military.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physical Therapy Assistant, you will work as an integral member of a clinical team. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Executing complex physical therapy treatment plans as directed by licensed providers.
Coordinating diverse therapy programs for wounded, ill, and injured soldiers.
Utilizing evidence-based modalities to facilitate healing and physical resilience.
Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best possible rehabilitation outcomes.
Educating patients and their families on home-care procedures and recovery techniques.
Tracking and reporting on patient progress and the appropriateness of ongoing treatment.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-07 role, you must meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience/Education: You need either one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or a year of related graduate-level education (e.g., Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, or Physical Therapy).
Licensing: You must hold a valid, unrestricted state license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Flexibility: As a mission-essential employee, you must be prepared to report for duty during inclement weather or contingency operations.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range, reflecting the importance of this role within the DHA healthcare system. The following table provides a breakdown of the compensation structure.

Pay Detail	Information
Position Grade	GS-07
Annual Salary Range	$50,460 - $65,599
Pay Interval	Per Year
Locality Included	Yes

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and generous leave policies. You will also enjoy the benefit of working in a secure, stable environment that emphasizes professional development and patient-centered care.

Application Tips

Applying for federal positions requires attention to detail.

Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Any submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Detail is Key: Include your specific job title, start/end dates, and total hours worked per week for every position listed.
Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, you must attach your transcripts to your application.
Proofread: Use clear, simple language, and ensure your responses to the online questionnaire align with the details provided in your resume.

Joining the team at Irwin Army Community Hospital is more than just a job; it is a chance to serve those who protect our nation. If you are a dedicated PTA with a passion for rehabilitation, we invite you to apply and help us continue our mission of readiness and healthcare excellence.

Why This Physical Therapy Assistant Job Matters

Advance your career in physical rehabilitation while supporting the health and readiness of our military heroes at Irwin Army Community Hospital.

Physical Therapy Assistant Job Overview

The Defense Health Agency is seeking dedicated Physical Therapy Assistants to join the clinical team at Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas. This role is essential to our mission of providing high-quality care to service members and their families. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will play a direct role in patient recovery, implementing treatment plans, and facilitating the return to duty for our wounded, ill, and injured service members. This is an open continuous, direct-hire opportunity, meaning we are actively looking for qualified talent to fill vacancies as they arise.

Requirements for Physical Therapy Assistant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent.
Completion of one full year of graduate-level education in a field like Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science (if substituting education for experience).
Must maintain a valid, unrestricted license or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
Must be able to fulfill mission-essential duties during emergencies or inclement weather.

Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapy Assistant

Proven experience in implementing progressive physical therapy treatment plans.
Strong communication skills for patient education and status reporting.
Advanced practical knowledge of evidence-based rehabilitation medicine.
Experience working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Previous experience working with a military or specialized patient population.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Professional growth and training opportunities within the Defense Health Agency.
✓Access to a wide network of military healthcare facilities.
✓Potential for salary negotiation for those new to federal service.

💡 How to Apply Physical Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physical Therapy Assistant Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Gather your educational transcripts if using them to qualify.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all required supporting documentation (licenses, transcripts, etc.).
Submit your complete application package before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Use plain language and avoid unnecessary acronyms.
Ensure your resume explicitly details your weekly work hours and specific dates (month/year) for all relevant roles.
Verify that all documents, such as transcripts, are clearly labeled and attached.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Open Continuous' mean?

It means the agency accepts applications on an ongoing basis and will pull from the applicant pool as vacancies become available throughout the year.

Can I substitute education for the experience requirement?

Yes, one full year of graduate-level education in a related field may be used to meet requirements, or a combination of education and experience.

Is a security clearance required for this position?

No, this specific position does not require a security clearance.

What is the work location?

This position is based at Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Is there a probationary period?

Yes, a one-year probationary period is required to evaluate your performance and conduct.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to the public.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is a global healthcare system dedicated to providing medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services to more than 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families. At IACH, located in the beautiful Flint Hills region of Kansas, you will work in an environment that balances professional excellence with an outstanding quality of life. From the thriving community life in Manhattan, KS, to the recreational opportunities at Fort Riley, our location offers the perfect setting for a fulfilling career.