Become a Leader in Rehabilitation: Supervisory Physical Therapist Position with the Indian Health Service

Are you a seasoned physical therapist looking to merge your clinical expertise with high-level administrative leadership? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently recruiting for a Supervisory Physical Therapist to serve at the Chinle Service Unit in beautiful Chinle, Arizona. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of rehabilitation services for the Navajo community while advancing your career within a prestigious federal agency.

Job Responsibilities

The Supervisory Physical Therapist plays a pivotal role in the facility. Your primary duties include:

Management & Leadership: Directing multidisciplinary teams across Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech-Language Pathology.
Strategic Operations: Overseeing departmental budgeting, policy development, human resources, and performance improvement.
Clinical Care: Providing direct patient care, including assessments, treatment planning, and equipment recommendations.
Community Outreach: Coordinating rehabilitation services with hospital leadership and external community programs.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 position, you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a valid, unrestricted state license for Physical Therapy.
Hold a graduate or higher-level degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
Demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-13 level.
Successfully pass a federal background investigation.

Salary & Benefits Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $125,776 to $163,514 per year. Beyond the base salary, the IHS provides significant benefits designed to support your personal and professional well-being:

Benefit Category	Description
Financial Support	Student loan repayment programs (IHS/NHSC)
Incentives	Possible recruitment or relocation bonuses
Housing	Government housing may be available
Federal Perks	Comprehensive federal health, retirement, and leave benefits

Application Tips

Focus Your Resume: The Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will only review the first two pages of your resume. Ensure your specialized experience and leadership achievements are clearly outlined at the very beginning.
Documentation: Have your license information and transcript details ready. While unofficial transcripts are accepted initially, ensure they are easy to read.
Indian Preference: If you are claiming Indian Preference, make sure your Form BIA-4432 is complete and properly signed to avoid disqualification.

Serving as a Supervisory Physical Therapist at the Chinle Service Unit is more than just a job; it is a chance to make a lasting impact on healthcare equity. If you possess the leadership skills and clinical background to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply before the November 12, 2026, deadline.

Why This Supervisory Physical Therapist Job Matters

Lead vital healthcare transformation in the heart of the Navajo Nation as a Supervisory Physical Therapist with the Indian Health Service.

Supervisory Physical Therapist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Physical Therapist to join the Chinle Service Unit in Chinle, Arizona. In this impactful role, you will oversee comprehensive rehabilitation services, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, and Speech-Language Pathology. You will be responsible for strategic program management, staff leadership, and clinical oversight, all while providing high-quality care to American Indian and Alaska Native populations. This position is ideal for a leader who is passionate about community-focused healthcare and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Requirements for Supervisory Physical Therapist

U.S. Citizenship.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted license as a Physical Therapist in a U.S. State, District of Columbia, or territory.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the FSBPT.
Graduate or higher-level degree in Physical Therapy from a CAAHEP-accredited curriculum or equivalent.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Compliance with agency immunization policies.
Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Physical Therapist

Advanced experience in multidisciplinary rehabilitation management.
Proven track record in strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development.
Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and manage clinical performance metrics.
Experience in coordinating care across complex hospital systems or diverse community health programs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary package.
✓Eligibility for student loan repayment programs (IHS/NHSC).
✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Potential for government housing.
✓Access to diverse professional development and training programs.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Physical Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Physical Therapist Job

Create or update your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that highlights your specialized experience and leadership accomplishments (focus on the first two pages).
Gather your physical therapy license documentation and academic transcripts.
Complete the online vacancy questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, ensuring they are clear and legible.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 12, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly captures your leadership and clinical experience within the first two pages, as this is what SMEs will review.
Clearly define your responsibilities and the number of hours worked per week for each position.
Be proactive in communicating with the security office regarding background investigation forms.
If claiming Indian Preference, ensure you submit the Form BIA-4432 properly signed by your Tribal Representative.
Proofread your application to ensure no exaggeration of duties; all information is subject to verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this position?

This role involves both administrative leadership of the rehabilitation department and the delivery of direct patient care.

Is relocation support available?

Relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates, and government housing may be available.

Are unofficial transcripts acceptable for the application?

Yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted during the initial application, but official transcripts will be required prior to an official job offer.

Is there promotion potential for this role?

No, this specific position has no promotion potential above the GS-14 grade.

Can I telework?

This position is not currently eligible for telework due to the on-site nature of the clinical and supervisory duties.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Joining the IHS means becoming part of an interdisciplinary team that prioritizes compassionate, community-oriented care. You will work in a supportive environment where innovation and problem-solving are daily practices.