Minor League Physical Therapist

Description

Our Vision

To become baseball’s highest performing organization — defined by our relentless pursuit of excellence, strengthened by our connection, and fueled by our positive energy.

Our Core Values

• Joy. We want to be around people that like to have fun. We remain optimistic through the ups and downs, we enjoy the process, and we share in something bigger than ourselves.

• Humility. We don’t have all the answers. We lead with curiosity, listen generously, and seek growth from every experience — especially the tough ones. We have gotten over ourselves.

• Integrity. We do the right thing, even when it’s hard. We act with honesty, accountability, and respect for our teammates and ourselves. We treat the custodian like the king.

• Competitiveness. We embrace challenges and thrive in high-stakes environments. We prepare relentlessly. We are energized by the idea of keeping score.

Position Summary

The Minor League Physical Therapist supports the health, availability, development, and performance of Minor League players through injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play programming.

This position works collaboratively with the Medical, Performance, and Baseball Operations departments to deliver individualized rehabilitation programs, objective testing, and evidence-based treatment strategies. The Minor League Physical Therapist monitors player response to rehabilitation and performance activities while coordinating care across affiliates and the Spring Training complex. This role emphasizes consistent communication, objective return-to-play criteria, and the seamless progression of players from injury through return to competition.

This position will be based at our complex in West Palm Beach, FL.

Primary Responsibilities

Medical Leadership & Staff Development

• Communicate daily with the Minor League Medical Coordinator, Rehab Pitching Coordinator, and Rehab Strength and Conditioning Coordinator regarding player progress and rehab plans.

• Coordinate weekly communication with the Director of Player Health, Head Athletic Trainer, Director of Physical Development, and Minor League Medical Coordinator regarding the status and progression of Minor League rehab players.

• Assist with injury evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

• Develop and implement individualized physical therapy and rehabilitation programs based on injury history, current presentation, strength, mobility, movement assessments, and performance measures.

• Assist with the creation, implementation, and monitoring of return-to-play and return-to-throw progressions.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date rehabilitation programs, player calendars, throwing schedules, and progression timelines for all assigned rehabilitation players.

• Perform objective strength, mobility, movement, and performance testing to guide rehabilitation decisions and establish readiness for progression.

• Collaborate with the Medical, Performance, and Baseball Operations departments to coordinate player care, rehab assignments, and transitions between affiliates when appropriate.

• Provide hands-on treatment, therapeutic exercise, and other appropriate physical therapy interventions.

• Support consistent implementation of organizational rehabilitation standards, return-to-play criteria, and injury prevention strategies.

• Maintain accurate and timely medical documentation in the league-mandated electronic medical record (EMR).

• Coordinate communication and continuity of care between affiliate medical staffs and organizational leadership.

• Drive and participate in continuing education while contributing to the development of organizational rehabilitation processes and the overall quality of medical care.

• Support the ongoing development of Minor League players by integrating rehabilitation goals with long-term performance and availability objectives.

Work Schedule & Availability

• Position is based out of the Spring Training Complex in West Palm Beach, Florida, with responsibilities throughout spring training, competitive season and off-season camps.

• Travel as required throughout the season to support player rehabilitation, coordinate care, and facilitate transitions between affiliates.

• Maintain communication with assigned players and relevant staff during the off season, as appropriate.

• Maintain flexibility and availability outside normal working hours to address injuries, emergencies, and player rehab needs.

• Review medical histories and coordinate physician input to support player acquisitions when requested.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) required.

• Current physical therapy license in Florida, or ability to obtain licensure.

• Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) preferred but not required.

• SCS or OCS alternative preferred certifications, but not required

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) preferred but not required.

• Baseball or overhead-athlete experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of sports rehabilitation, return-to-play principles, throwing progressions, and objective testing.

• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate care across multiple departments and affiliates.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced professional sports environment and manage multiple players with competing needs.

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.

Benefits

The Nationals offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that presently includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance

• Short- and long-term disability insurance

• Flexible spending accounts

• 401(k) and pension plan

• Access to complimentary tickets to Nationals home games

• Employee discounts

• Free onsite fitness center

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Nationals are dedicated to offering equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.