Physical Therapist - Legs and Walking Lab - Clinical Locomotor Specialist, Registry/ PRN

Company: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Our Physical Therapist- 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.
  
  The Physical Therapist- 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- 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- 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.
  
  
  Principal Responsibilities
  The Physical Therapist- Clinical Locomotor Specialist:
  
  
  
  
• 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 formanagement.
  
• 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.
  

Keywords: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago , Physical Therapist - Legs and Walking Lab - Clinical Locomotor Specialist, Registry/ PRN, Other , Chicago, Illinois