Local Contract Outpatient Physical Therapist
New York, NY
DT-Healthcare Staffing
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Pain Physical Therapist — Clinical Specialist

VA New York Harbor Healthcare System — Manhattan (423 E. 23rd St, New York, NY 10010) and Brooklyn (800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209)  |  Full Time  | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (2,080 hours/year)

Position Overview

The Office of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Services of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System requires a full-time Physical Therapist specializing in chronic pain management to serve the Pain Management Service under a five-year VA contract (base year plus four option years beginning September 30, 2026).

This is a GS-13 Clinical Specialist-equivalent role delivering on-site and VA Video Connect (VVC) physical therapy consistent with The Joint Commission, APTA, ABPTS, and the VA Stepped Care Model for Pain Management. At least 50% of clinical time is spent facilitating Pain Management group-based pain care, in person or via VVC. Approximately 90% of time is direct patient care; 10% is documentation, team meetings, and quality improvement. Occasional travel between the Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate Veterans with chronic pain and related musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, and geriatric conditions through Direct Access, exercising autonomous clinical decision-making; develop time-limited, functionally based treatment plans and update them within 24 hours of each visit.
• Facilitate Pain Management group-based pain care (≥50% of clinical time) via VVC or in person at VA NY Harbor HCS or designated CBOC locations.
• Deliver interventions including therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, gait and functional training, Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) and graded exposure, adaptive equipment evaluation and prescription, modalities, wound/lymphedema, pelvic health, aquatic therapy, and wheelchair seating and positioning.
• Apply evidence-based behavioral strategies to address fear-avoidance and adapt physical therapy approaches for Veterans with co-occurring severe mental and physical disabilities.
• Document initial, progress, and final evaluations with measurable goals and functional outcomes in CPRS/VistA within 24 hours, 90% of the time; complete QM/PI documentation; begin discharge planning at admission with home programs and aftercare instructions.
• Participate in the weekly Pain Management Service Team Meeting, the monthly PM&R/PT meeting, the quarterly Pain Committee, rounds, discharge planning, and in-services; assist with routine equipment care and department operations.
• Report patient-safety incidents within 24 hours, maintain patient confidentiality, and complete all VA mandatory training on schedule.

Qualifications & Experience

• Physical therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Current, full, and unrestricted physical therapy license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia; no history of license restriction, suspension, revocation, or denial.
• GS-13 Clinical Specialist equivalency — at least one of: (a) a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in chronic-pain physical therapy within the past two to five years; (b) ABPTS board certification in a specialty area; (c) completion of a fellowship in a related specialty; or (d) an additional advanced degree in a related field.
• Minimum two years of hospital or ambulatory care experience, or equivalent experience in chronic pain management.
• Current AHA BLS certification (or ability to obtain before start); eligibility for VA credentialing and privileging; NPI number.
• Proficiency in CPRS/VistA and telehealth delivery (VA Video Connect training provided at onboarding); fluent spoken and written English; prior VA Medical Center experience valued.

Compensation

$88–$100/hour, depending on experience and certifications. This is a local, on-site/telehealth position; no per diem or travel allowance applies.

Application Process

Submit the following as a single candidate packet:

• Current CV detailing education, training, and experience in pain management
• Copies of current, full, and unrestricted license(s) and current AHA BLS certification
• Three (3) professional references, including your last employer and supervisor with name and telephone number
• Signed Letter of Intent for the Pain Physical Therapist position — required by the VA for submission with the quote
• NPI number, professional liability insurance expiration date, and any prior VA Medical Center credentialing/privileging status
• Statement regarding any paid malpractice claims (or confirmation of none)

Selected candidates must complete VA credentialing and privileging, a background check, and health screening (TB test, MMR/varicella immunity, Tdap, annual influenza, Hepatitis B) before the first duty shift. Anticipated start: September 30, 2026, contingent on contract award.