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Job Title: Pediatric Physical Therapist
Center based, school based, home based, partial remote available
FULL TIME/PART TIME
Center based, school based, home based, partial remote available
FULL TIME/PART TIME
Job Description:
As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, you specialize in providing physical therapy services to children from infancy through adolescence who have developmental, neurological, musculoskeletal, or congenital conditions that impact their movement, mobility, and overall function. Your role is to assess, diagnose, and treat children with a wide range of physical challenges, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to promote optimal development, independence, and quality of life. The following outlines the typical duties and qualifications for this position:
Responsibilities:
- Evaluation and Assessment: Conduct comprehensive evaluations and assessments of children referred for physical therapy services, including observation, standardized tests, and clinical assessments, to identify impairments, functional limitations, and developmental delays.
- Treatment Planning: Develop individualized treatment plans and goals based on assessment findings, family priorities, and evidence-based practice guidelines, utilizing therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and other interventions to address the unique needs of each child.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Provide direct physical therapy interventions to children in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, schools, homes, and community-based programs, focusing on improving strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, gait, and motor skills through targeted exercises, activities, and modalities.
- Family Education and Training: Educate and train parents, caregivers, and other family members on therapeutic techniques, home exercise programs, positioning strategies, and adaptive strategies to support their child's development and maximize functional outcomes in daily activities and routines.
- Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, educators, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals, to coordinate care, share information, and integrate therapy goals into the child's overall treatment plan.
- Progress Monitoring and Documentation: Regularly monitor and reassess the child's progress, functional outcomes, and response to treatment, and document findings, treatment interventions, and goals achieved in accordance with regulatory requirements and professional standards.
- Advocacy and Support: Advocate for the needs and rights of children with physical disabilities or developmental delays, and provide support, resources, and guidance to families navigating healthcare systems, community services, and educational settings.
- Professional Development: Stay abreast of current research, best practices, and advances in pediatric physical therapy through continuing education, professional conferences, and participation in professional organizations, and apply new knowledge and skills to enhance clinical practice.
Qualifications:
- Master's or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
- Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Physical Therapist in the state or country of practice.
- Specialization or certification in pediatric physical therapy (e.g., PCS through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties) preferred.
- Experience working with children with developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, or congenital anomalies in a pediatric setting.
- Knowledge of pediatric anatomy, physiology, growth and development, motor control, and biomechanics.
- Strong clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention skills, with the ability to tailor therapy approaches to meet the individual needs and preferences of children and their families.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and engage families in the therapeutic process.
- Compassion, patience, and empathy for children and families facing physical challenges, with a commitment to promoting their well-being and quality of life.
- CPR and First Aid certification may be required.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications of a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the practice setting, patient population, and organizational policies.
