Physical Therapist - Outpatient Pediatrics

The Physical Therapist

• Evaluates patient's physical and functional status including muscular strength, motor functions, reflexes, ambulation skills and ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Observes and interviews patient, reviews medical history, and administers sensory tests, muscle tests, range-of-motion exams, and other evaluation techniques.
• Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results, including such physical therapy treatment modalities as whirlpool, ultrasounds, massage, biofeedback, paraffin and prosthetics/orthotics and/or monitors or administers the application of treatment.
• Evaluates patient’s current pain levels (0-10) and history of recent pain experience; provides appropriate pain education and intervention in consultation with physician and pain specialists as needed; provides ongoing assessment of pain and implementation of tools for management.
• Establishes therapy goals, and formulates a treatment plan including exercise, modalities, balance activities, and gait training.
• Discusses evaluation, goals, and treatment with patient and family and instructs them on the exercise program and in use of equipment.
• Participates in patient discharge planning including developing an in-home program when appropriate.
• Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining records for physicians and insurance carriers.
• Determines and orders appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and prosthetic and orthopedic devices.
• May participate in the Department education program by teaching and supervising students.
• Participates in research projects as needed.
• Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
  
  

Reporting Relationships

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

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.
  
  

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.