Physical Therapist

Position Overview Physical Therapists provide services to develop, enhance or restore functional capacity of clients whose abilities to cope with the tasks of daily living are threatened or impaired by physical illness or injury, psychosocial disabilities, aging process or by developmental deficits. Physical Therapists at NAPA Center provide skillful intervention to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with disorders that affect development of motor and behavioral skills within the professional scope of practice. The role will require all therapists to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications include completion of at least a Bachelor of Applied Science or Physical Therapy degree, from an accredited University. Strong clinical experience - at least 2 years post graduate physical therapy experience preferred, preferably in a pediatric setting with exposure to children and/or young adults with complex disabilities. Background clearance with DOJ and FBI. Annual TB test clearance. CPR and First Aid certificates. Current registration with the appropriate licensing board. Good physical health and fitness, including the ability to frequently perform, on a daily basis, the following movements over a 6-8 hour period without experiencing pain or abnormal fatigue: Lift, push or pull up to and including 50 pounds with hands and wrists as therapeutic handling is manually intensive Independently transfer dependent patients up to 85 pounds Independently offer contact guard assistance for ambulatory patients of up to 125 pounds Maintain extended periods of standing and/or sitting on the floor for up to 7 hours per day Move from floor to standing position back to floor frequently (6-7 hours) throughout the day Create a safe, professional, and supportive environment where clients, families and colleagues feel empowered to succeed. Ability to communicate confidently and effectively with clients and other medical professionals. Display a level of professional empathy towards clients and the ability to develop rapport. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and their families. Exercise discipline by completing all documentation, reporting requirements and training in an accurate and timely manner. Team player that can demonstrate the values for working as part of multi-disciplinary team to advance a client’s needs. Demonstrates the ability to take on additional responsibilities with time, including assessment and development of treatment plans for more complex cases, supervision of therapy aides/volunteers and additional clinic responsibilities. Ability to travel for periods of time for training/treating may be required.

Responsibilities

Treatment of motor deficits and functional impairments or difficulties primarily in the pediatric population. Possess general knowledge of child development to assess and refer families to other disciplines when appropriate. Assess a client’s physical condition using a variety of standardized tools to determine a plan for treatment. Utilize multiple frames of reference to inform practice including but not limited to: neurodevelopmental, developmental biomechanical, sensory integration, motor learning, cognitive, and rehabilitation. Create tailored treatment plans to address client’s limitations, taking into account their age, abilities and other medical/physical factors. Apply a range of physical therapy techniques to address presented conditions (including tailored exercises, passive and active stretching, gait analysis and training). Patient/caregiver training in the use of assistive technology devices, mobility devices, orthotic or prosthetic devices. Prescribe home exercise programs for patient/caregiver to promote carryover and continued progress in the community. Adapt environments and processes to enhance functional performance of clients. Actively participate in professional development including continuing education opportunities provided through the organization, from outside providers, as well as through opportunities offered as part of regular clinical supervision. Maintain impeccable documentation. Ensure that treatment notes are recorded accurately and timely in the electronic health record system, according to the policies of NAPA. Report writing including but not limited to evaluations, progress reports, school district IEP reports, assistive technology. Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team to create a comprehensive developmental approach to client-centered care. Develop rapport with clients to build a relationship of trust and mutual respect. Work closely with administrative staff to manage the schedule and ensure that time is being used productively. Provide input into the development of clinical practices and procedures. Act in accordance with all company, legal and industry policies and ethics. Comply with all professional development requirements for maintenance of registration as a Physical Therapist with the appropriate licensing board. Work in a healthy and safe manner and encourage others to do the same.