About this role
Job SummaryThe position serves as Lead Physical Therapist within the Rehabilitation Department at Chinle Service Unit in Chinle, AZ. The incumbent leads five or more GS-12 Physical Therapists and two therapy assistants, supporting staff competency and effective delivery of services. Ensures staff maintain required professional competencies and independently manages, plans, and organizes patient care and operations. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. Individual Occupational Requirements BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): EDUCATION A graduate or higher level degree that included: A physical therapy curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs(external link) (CAAHEP) or a professional accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained; and Completion of the clinical requirements prescribed by the school. LICENSURE For all grade levels and positions, applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physical Therapist from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States; and must have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy(external link) (FSBPT). In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: GS-13: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Planning and carrying out a full range of treatment where therapeutic objectives are complex and the procedures involved require the application of highly specialized skills and knowledge. Developing and implementing treatment plans for patients. Providing patient/family education on injury/disease process. Developing evaluations and recommendations regarding physical requirements. Providing orientation on physical therapy procedures. Attending lectures, meetings and conferences. Training team members in methods and techniques. Identifying, distributing and balancing workload and tasks. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Major DutiesPatient Evaluation and Assessment: Performs comprehensive physical therapy evaluations for patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, pain, functional, and related conditions using clinical assessments, standardized measures, medical histories, and patient interviews. Treatment Planning and Intervention: Develops and implements individualized treatment plans using therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, modalities, adaptive equipment, orthotics, reconditioning, injury prevention, and other appropriate rehabilitation techniques. Patient Education and Clinical Documentation: Educates patients and families regarding conditions, functional limitations, activity modification, ergonomics, and rehabilitation goals; maintains required treatment documentation in the electronic health record. Team Leadership and Program Coordination: Leads physical therapy staff by distributing and balancing workload, communicating priorities, monitoring progress, coaching team members, coordinating training, resolving routine issues, and reporting accomplishments and concerns to the supervisor. Clinical Program and Quality Improvement: Serves as a physical therapy subject matter expert, contributes to protocols and standard operating procedures, supports evidence-based practice, coordinates student/intern education, and participates in continuous quality improvement and practice standardization. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Consultation: Collaborates with healthcare teams on patient care, discharge planning, rehabilitation, equipment, and community reintegration; provides education and consultation to staff and other stakeholders and serves as a physical therapy point of contact in the Supervisory Physical Therapist's absence.RequirementsSelectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.