By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Physical Therapist- Inpatient Clinical Locomotor Specialist will assist patients in reaching maximum physical performance while adjusting to disabilities. Treats disabled patients using standard physical therapy therapeutic interventions such as heat, cold, electricity, traction, ultrasound and exercise. Evaluates patient motor and neurological capabilities and adapts physical therapy program as appropriate.
The Physical Therapist- Inpatient Clinical Locomotor Specialist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.
The Physical Therapist- Inpatient Clinical Locomotor Specialist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

Our Physical Therapist- Inpatient Clinical Locomotor Specialist is a physical therapist with expertise in and a strong passion for gait training in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Key aspects of the role include:

• Expert knowledge in the assessment of gait impairments across a variety of diagnoses

• Well versed in evidence-based practice for the implementation of gait training as well as experience with orthotics assessment and prescription

• Opportunities to develop expertise with a variety of gait training technologies, help develop content/advise on product development and improvement, and drive clinical decision making in areas such as: robotics, virtual reality based systems, and AI

• Emphasis on participation in research, clinical collaboration, as well as knowledge translation within the organization and our profession

• Involvement in mentoring through our comprehensive gait mentoring program as well as teaching opportunities through our internal and external academies in the area of neurologic gait training

• Board certification in neurologic physical therapy preferred, but not required

• Experience with various gait training modalities such as body-weight support systems (treadmill, overground gait track) and other gait technologies is preferred but not required

• Experience with and knowledge of evidence regarding early mobilization of complex neurologic diagnoses

• Knowledge of evidence regarding diagnosis specific prognosis for locomotor recovery to guide goal setting, plan of care development and intervention selection.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.

• Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.

• Current CPR certification required.

• Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients.

• Ability to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met.

• 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 budgets, and assess new programs and recommend changes.

• Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager-Innovation Center, Therapy Manager-AbilityLab.

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.

• Includes Saturday and Sunday rotation work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ShirleyRyan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.