OPS Temporary Research Physical Therapist

This study builds on the completed IM ABLE study (DOD Award #W81XWH-16-1-0738) and addresses a critical gap in the orthotics literature: whether advanced, custom carbon-fiber AFOs offer meaningful long-term benefit over conventional AFO designs. Participants (Veterans and Service Members with lower extremity trauma) will be fit with both AFO categories, complete a structured accommodation and training period, undergo functional and patient-reported outcome testing, and be followed for approximately 14 months to assess device utilization, function, pain, and preference in real-world community settings.

• Provide structured, study-protocol orthotic training to participants transitioning to a conventional or advanced AFO, consistent with the DoD Return to Run / Functional Mobility Program framework (e.g., gait training, walking at varied speeds, obstacle navigation, stair ascent/descent, uneven terrain, light-to-moderate jogging as appropriate).
• Deliver up to six training sessions per device category, per participant, over the three-week accommodation period, and determine when a participant has achieved functional independence with each device.
• Administer standardized functional and performance outcome measures with other study team members at each required study time point, including the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), Four-Square-Step-Test, and 40-Yard Dash (for eligible high-functioning participants).
• Complete required study documentation, including Physical Therapist Training Checklists, in accordance with study protocol and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• Collaborate with the study orthotist and site Principal Investigator on device-fit concerns, safety observations, and participant readiness for independent device use.
• Communicate participant safety concerns, adverse events, or protocol deviations promptly to the site PI and study team.
• Maintain accurate, timely source documentation and data entry in study case report forms / electronic data capture systems, safeguarding participant confidentiality and PHI at all times.
• Participate in study team meetings, training on the study protocol, and periodic multi-site communications (e.g., monthly video conferences) as needed.
• Support coordination of participant visit scheduling with the research coordinator to align training and assessment sessions with the study timeline.

• A Bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, or physics; and a graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. 
• Requires Florida State Licensure as a Physical Therapist.
• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
  • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

• Prior experience in a clinical research or grant-funded study environment (e.g., DoD-, VA-, or NIH-funded research).
• Experience working with military-connected or Veteran populations.
• Familiarity with AFO categories (conventional vs. advanced/energy-storing) and orthotic prescription and rehabilitation practices.
• Board certification or advanced training in orthopedics, neurology, or a related clinical specialty.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program (or equivalent credential recognized for PT licensure).
• Current, active, unencumbered license to practice physical therapy