Advance Your Career: Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) at the Minneapolis VA
Are you a dedicated Physical Therapist with a passion for neurologic rehabilitation? The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is currently seeking a highly qualified Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) to join our team. This role represents a unique opportunity to provide expert-level care for our nation's Veterans within a top-tier academic facility.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Specialist, your duties will include:
- Providing high-level, independent physical therapy evaluation and treatment to patients with complex neurologic conditions.
- Acting as a consultant and subject matter expert for interdisciplinary medical teams.
- Mentoring students and staff on best practices in neurologic physical therapy.
- Developing programs and quality assurance initiatives within the SCI/D Center.
Requirements
Applicants must meet specific educational and licensure benchmarks, including:
- Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited program.
- Current, unrestricted PT license.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to meet specific specialized experience thresholds (e.g., 2,000 hours in specialty practice).
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 grade level.
| Position Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) | $116,038 - $150,852 per year |
Benefits
Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including competitive pay, reliable leave accrual, and opportunities for professional growth within a massive nationwide network.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly delineate your specialized experience.
- KSA Documentation: Create a separate, concise document addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities mentioned in the requirements.
- Early Submission: Don't wait until the final hour; ensure all documents (transcripts, licenses) are uploaded correctly.
If you are ready to elevate your career and give back to those who have served, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of clinical expertise and patient-centered service.
Why This Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job Matters
Advance your physical therapy career as a Clinical Specialist at the prestigious Minneapolis VA Health Care System—a Level 1A facility dedicated to transforming Veteran care.
Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job Overview
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a highly skilled Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) to join our Spinal Cord Injury and Neurological Disease (SCI/D) Center. As a subject matter expert, you will provide advanced clinical care, mentor staff, and influence care delivery within a premier academic medical environment. This role is perfect for a clinician passionate about neurologic rehabilitation, patient-centered innovation, and collaborative multidisciplinary practice.
Requirements for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship (or appointment criteria per VA policy).
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Completion of a 1-2 year trial period as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)
- 2+ years of specialized physical therapy experience in a neurologic rehabilitation setting.
- Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) board certification.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and serve as a consultant in specialized PT areas.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and research within an academic medical setting.
- ✓Credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior qualifying experience.
- ✓Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
- ✓Access to VA retirement benefits and pension plans.
💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume, transcript, and professional certification documentation.
- Draft a document specifically addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Do not assume the hiring committee knows your background; be explicit in your resume regarding all relevant experience.
- Writing to the KSAs on a separate, dedicated document is highly recommended for this level of role.
- Ensure all transcripts are current and from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institution.
- Double-check that your license information is accurate and unrestricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Physical Therapist role?
This position is a Clinical Specialist role primarily located within the outpatient SCI/D (Spinal Cord Injury and Neurological Disease) Center, serving as a subject matter expert for neurologic rehab.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
What is the education requirement for this position?
Candidates must hold a degree from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program (Bachelor's with 5 years experience, Master's with 2 years experience, or a Doctorate degree).
What is the work schedule?
The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm CST.
Can I telework?
No, this is an onsite position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is a Level 1A complexity facility, serving over 100,000 Veterans. We house four major research centers and serve as a regional hub for specialized care, including spinal cord injury treatment, polytrauma rehabilitation, and amputee care. Joining our team means joining an organization committed to the "Whole Health" system of care.