Physical Therapist

Req #: 0000260437 | Per Diem, Hourly | Day Shift | $78.36 per hour

About the role

At Children's Specialized Hospital, part of RWJBarnabas Health, Physical Therapists become part of a collaborative, family-centered environment where compassion, innovation, and clinical excellence come together to help children achieve greater independence and reach their fullest potential. This role offers opportunities for professional growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful work supporting infants, children, adolescents, and their families through rehabilitation and functional development.

As a Physical Therapist, you will evaluate, develop, and implement individualized treatment plans for pediatric patients while partnering with families and an interdisciplinary care team to improve mobility, restore function, relieve pain, prevent disability, and promote meaningful participation in everyday activities. Joining Children's Specialized Hospital means becoming part of a team dedicated to delivering exceptional pediatric care while empowering every Physical Therapist to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Evaluating pediatric patients' functional abilities using standardized assessments, clinical observations, screenings, and patient histories to develop individualized treatment plans
• Establishing realistic, patient-centered functional goals focused on remediation, compensation, adaptation, and prevention of functional limitations
• Implementing evidence-based physical therapy interventions designed to improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and overall functional performance
• Applying principles of activity analysis to develop age-appropriate interventions that support children's physical, perceptual-cognitive, and psychosocial development while helping families meet everyday functional goals
• Educating children and their families on treatment plans, home exercise programs, functional goals, and recommendations that support continued progress beyond therapy sessions
• Collaborating closely with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members to coordinate comprehensive, family-centered care
• Communicating patient progress, treatment recommendations, and discharge planning effectively through both written documentation and verbal communication
• Assisting with the education and mentorship of Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), therapy aides, students, and other team members as appropriate
• Participating in quality improvement initiatives, seeking ongoing professional development, and incorporating feedback to enhance clinical practice
• Maintaining timely, accurate documentation that meets regulatory standards while supporting department productivity expectations and assisting throughout the department during schedule changes, cancellations, or fluctuating patient volumes

Requirements

• Earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program
• Hold, or are eligible to obtain, a New Jersey Physical Therapy license
• Completion of a pediatric clinical affiliation is preferred
• Current American Heart Association BLS Provider certification
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, sound clinical judgment, initiative, and a commitment to professional growth
• Physical stamina necessary for lifting and therapeutic handling of pediatric patients

Ideal Candidate

• Passionate about helping children improve mobility, maximize independence, and achieve meaningful developmental milestones
• Enjoys partnering with families to create individualized treatment plans that support each child's unique strengths and goals
• Strong communication skills to build trusting relationships with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary care teams
• Approaches challenges with critical thinking, sound clinical judgment, and adaptability
• Values collaboration and enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to exceptional pediatric care
• Committed to lifelong learning and continuously expanding clinical knowledge and skills
• Thrives in a dynamic healthcare environment where patient needs and priorities may evolve throughout the day

Pay

$78.36 per hour