Pediatric Physical Therapist

SUMMARY

The Physical Therapist is responsible for delivering comprehensive physical therapy services, including assessment, treatment, consultation, and care coordination for eligible pediatric to young adult patients at Children’s Clinics. This role encompasses advanced therapeutic interventions for a variety of physical impairments, ensuring the delivery of patient-centered care in alignment with the clinic’s objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides advanced level physical therapy evaluation, direct patient treatment, multidisciplinary collaboration and care coordination for pediatric to young adult patients with neurological, cardiovascular, sensory, and musculoskeletal impairments
• Develop and implement age-appropriate clinical and functional assessments, crafting individualized treatment plans based on evaluation results and input from patients and their families. Continuously assess progress toward goals and modify treatment plans accordingly
• Perform evaluations, fittings, and adjustments of durable medical equipment (DME) and bracing
• Compose letters of medical necessity and create equipment requests for medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME)
• Documents all patient assessments, treatments, patient/family education, and all relevant and required patient care information in the electronic health record in an accurate and timely manner, in accordance with clinic policies
• Engage in collaborative interdisciplinary care with healthcare providers to support patients in assigned specialty clinics
• Supervises support personnel in accordance to APTA and Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy guidelines
• Assist with staff orientation, mentor and provide training in areas of expertise or specialty as requested by the Department Manager. Participate in departmental and team professional education
• Perform other duties as required and assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of a variety of therapeutic treatment techniques and pediatric assessment tools
• Knowledge of infant/child development and functional movement analysis as is applicable to the field of physical therapy
• Knowledge of fundamentals of pediatric bracing and ability to assess patient’s bracing needs independently and/or as part of an interdisciplinary team. Ability to fabricate and modify lower extremity splints and serial casts, and educate patient and family in proper splint/cast care and use. 
• Knowledge and ability to implement evidence-based treatment interventions while providing pediatric physical therapy; experience in measuring and reporting clinical and functional outcomes of care to parents, physicians, and other professionals
• Knowledge of corporate, local, state, and national regulatory requirements and ability to execute job duties consistent with them
• Knowledge of various types of adaptive equipment including gait trainers, walkers, standers, bath equipment, activity chairs, wheelchairs, and adaptive strollers. Ability to determine most appropriate option(s) and provide training and education on use and maintenance of equipment. Ability to complete physician-based peer-to-peer requests when required by insurance. Ability to provide appropriate patient and family education on the safe and effective use of recommended equipment
• Skill in professional communication with staff and physicians for optimal care coordination and patient outcomes
• Computer skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and competency with using an Electronic Medical Record for all documentation
• Ability to guide care across the lifespan including planning for transition to adulthood
• Ability to safely and effectively use electro-physiological or mechanical equipment for the provision of physical therapy care
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient, personnel, and corporate data
• Ability to effectively manage time with a proven ability to meet deadlines; organization and attention to detail
• Ability to operate personal computer and related office equipment as needed to perform job function

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from accredited college/university required

Experience: 

Two years related pediatric experience preferred

Licenses and Certificates:

Physical Therapy (PT) license from the Arizona Board of PT Examiners required

AHCCCS Provider Identification Number required, may be obtained upon hire

BLS certification required

AGE OF PATIENTS ATTENDED BY EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION

Check all that apply:

___ N/A     _X_ Neonatal (newborn)   _X_ Pediatric (birth-13)     _X_ Young Adult (14-21)    _X_ Adult (21-65)

FINGERPRINT CLEARANCE

Employees are required to maintain a current Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card. Evidence of a current and valid fingerprint clearance card must be received to begin and maintain employment.