Pain Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist

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.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the hiring process.