PHYSICAL THERAPIST

This position is part of the STRIKE Program within Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group TWO (EODGRU 2).

Responsibilities

• Perform physical therapy professional duties with advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy skills, evidence-based practice, data collection, and reporting as part of the STRIKE team.
• Utilize physical performance measures to provide objective data and outcomes with activity/task performance.
• Provide nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive performance, and strength and conditioning to meet Sailor readiness needs in varied operational environments worldwide.
• Focus on sports medicine, physical training, performance nutrition, psychological health, transitional case management, and spiritual health services.
• Apply concepts, principles, and methodologies of the allied health field (Dietetics and Nutrition) to serve as a recognized Force Readiness Program (FRP) expert and program authority.
• Develop individualized short- and long-term rehabilitation treatment plans for issues such as cerebral vascular accidents, spinal cord injuries, neurological issues, and traumatic head injuries.
• Devise or adapt equipment to carry out treatment for severely disabled patients and employ motivational techniques to encourage patient participation.
• Serve as a technical expert in developing and interpreting professional guidelines for EODGRU 2 senior staff regarding all STRIKE personnel.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to staff therapists, athletic trainers, and other STRIKE staff in applying current knowledge to the tactical outpatient setting.
• Design individual treatment plans to meet service member and clinical objectives, maximizing restoration of physical, functional, and occupational capabilities.
• Deliver advanced orthopedic physical therapy across tactical and sports settings, liaising with Readiness and Training (N7) and Medical (N9) to coordinate force readiness and clinical care.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
• Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
• New employees must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Current federal employees must serve at least one year at the next lower grade level (time-in-grade requirement).
• Retired military members appointed within 180 days of retirement may be subject to specific provisions.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty.
• May require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS locations, including remote or isolated sites, via military or commercial aircraft for extended periods.
• Travel to OCONUS EODGRU ONE and TWO units at least once per year (7–14 days per trip).
• Certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) with a minimum of three years of practicing OCS experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience administering physical therapy interventions to Special Operations personnel, Division 1 collegiate athletes, Olympic athletes, and/or professional athletes.
• Certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a minimum of 3 years of experience working with Special Operations personnel.
• Certified Advanced Dry Needling Provider.
• Certified Blood Flow Restriction Provider.
• EXOS Performance Specialist or Performance Enhancement Specialist.
• Certified by the American Physical Therapy Association as a Credentialed Clinical Inspector.
• Must participate in continuing education seminars, workshops, and lectures to maintain knowledge and certifications.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required.
• This is a Mission Essential position; must ensure continuity of operations or completion of tasks designated as essential to the mission.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Requirements, your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience, including:

• Developing new policies and regulations for the administration of all STRIKE programs, curriculum, and services.
• Performing complex physical therapy duties requiring mastery-level knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine, and data collection.
• Providing evaluation and therapeutic interventions to wounded, ill, and injured service members.
• Developing and implementing complex, goal-oriented treatment plans for patients with a variety of dysfunctions and impairments (e.g., gait, functional daily activities, physical readiness training, conditioning, injury prevention, human performance optimization, pain impairments, and behavioral health disorders).
• Identifying, developing, and implementing predictive and reactive changes to STRIKE programming to facilitate force resiliency and retention.
• Developing evaluation, treatment plans, and recommendations regarding physical requirements, reconditioning, function, fitness, and retention goals.
• Integrating rehabilitative care with embedded psychological health teams, orthopedic surgeons, and transitioning care to Athletic Training and Strength and Conditioning realms for high-functioning Special Operations service members.
• Delivering advanced orthopedic physical therapy across tactical and sports settings, coordinating force readiness and clinical care between Readiness and Training (N7) and Medical (N9).
• Serving as the technical expert in developing and interpreting professional guidelines for EODGRU 2 senior staff.

Minimum of five years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist.

Education

Applicants must meet the following education qualifications:

• A graduate or higher-level degree that included a physical therapy curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or a recognized professional accrediting organization.
• Completion of the clinical requirements prescribed by the school.

Licensure

• 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 U.S. territory.
• Must have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

An official transcript must be provided to support education requirements.

Additional Information

• May be required to stand for long periods, as well as crouch, bend, stoop, stretch, and walk.
• Will perform regular and recurring medical and physical training activities, inspections, or observe healthcare operations in treatment and training facilities.
• Certain incentives (e.g., Recruitment, Relocation, or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized for eligible selectees.
• A relocation incentive may be authorized.
• During the application process, you may opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency for similar positions in the local commuting area.