Physical Therapist- Spinal Cord Injury Innovation Center

Responsibilities

• Conducts advanced evaluations of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems using validated assessment tools to inform individualized treatment plans.
• Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results.
• Delivers therapeutic interventions based on the latest clinical research and best practice standards.
• Designs and continuously adapts rehabilitation programs based on patient progress, emerging evidence, and functional outcome measures.
• Establishes patient-centered and functional therapy goals utilizing evidence-based outcome measurement tools.
• Discusses evaluation results, goals, and treatment plans with patients, providing education and support as needed.
• Leads and participates in patient discharge planning, including developing an in-home program when appropriate.
• Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining compliant records for physician communication, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies.
• Prescribes and recommends appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, mobility aides, bath equipment, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices.
• Partners with physicians and other providers to complete DME delivery and fitting.
• Supports the development of future professionals by supervising and guiding physical therapy students in accordance with academic standards and evidence-based practice.
• Supports innovation in rehabilitation by collaborating on research projects and integrating emerging evidence into clinical practice.
• Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.
• Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities.
• Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent, and geriatric patients.
• Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.

Skills

• Interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, patients, and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress information.
• Analytical ability to determine priorities, provide input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures, and clinical best practices.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
• Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
• May include exposure to community, home, work, school, and off-site clinic settings.