Physical Therapist
The Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center (WWKMHCC) is a federally operated facility under the Indian Health Service (IHS), serving approximately 7,000 tribal members of the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota. WWKMHCC provides a wide range of outpatient services, including physical therapy, in a rural and culturally rich environment.
Position Overview
The Contract Physical Therapist will provide comprehensive physical therapy services to patients of all ages under the direction of medical staff and within credentialed privileges. This role includes evaluation, development, and implementation of therapy treatment plans, collaboration with physicians, patient education, and active participation in interdisciplinary care teams.
This is a non-personal services contract position; the therapist will work independently but in accordance with IHS policy and standards of care. The selected contractor will be expected to deliver services during permanent staffing absences and will be responsible for meeting all credentialing and background check requirements prior to starting work.
Key Responsibilities
Evaluate and treat patients with a wide range of physical impairments (neurological, orthopedic, post-operative, chronic pain, prenatal/postpartum, etc.)
Design and implement individualized physical therapy treatment plans with measurable goals
Monitor and document patient progress, updating treatment plans as needed
Educate patients and families in home exercise programs and rehabilitation strategies
Collaborate with referring physicians and interdisciplinary team members
Participate in facility initiatives such as Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) care models
Utilize the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to document evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries within 72 hours
Participate in performance improvement initiatives, peer review, and quality assurance activities
Ensure patient care complies with HIPAA and IHS documentation standards
Maintain professional conduct and cultural sensitivity while providing services in Native American communities
Attend required staff development, orientation, and training sessions
Comply with medical staff bylaws, federal/state regulations, and CMS standards
Qualifications
Education & Licensure:
Degree from an accredited Physical Therapy program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or DPT)
Current and unrestricted license to practice Physical Therapy in at least one U.S. state or territory
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Active National Provider Identifier (NPI)
Experience:
Minimum of one (1) year of Physical Therapy experience within the last 36 months
Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Experience working in rural or Native American communities is highly preferred
Health & Safety Requirements:
Proof of immunizations (Hep B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Flu, COVID) or lab-confirmed immunity
Current PPD (or chest x-ray if PPD is positive)
Must be physically and mentally able to perform assigned duties without restriction
Other Requirements:
Fluent in written and spoken English
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Must pass a federal background check and complete credentialing prior to start
Must comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) requirements and obtain a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card within 120 days of starting
Additional Information
This is a contract position; contractor will be responsible for taxes, insurance, and travel expenses
Orientation and training must be completed prior to beginning clinical duties
Work attire must meet professional standards and cultural expectations
The government reserves the right to terminate the contract if credentialing, quality, or compliance standards are not met
All medical records remain the property of the Indian Health Service
WWKMHCC and IHS are equal opportunity employers. Native American and veteran candidates are encouraged to apply.