Physical Therapist -Outpatient Spine and Pain Institute

Shepherd Center•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Shepherd Center is hiring a Physical Therapist for its Dean Stroud Spine and Pain Institute. The program provides specialized rehabilitation to help patients restore function, improve mobility, regain independence, reduce chronic pain, decrease reliance on medications, and improve physical and psychological well-being. The Physical Therapist evaluates patients, develops individualized treatment plans, and delivers evidence-based interventions in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The role also includes educating patients and families and using specialized approaches to support recovery and long-term pain management. The position is performed in a normal patient care environment, with some potential exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious viruses. It may involve floating to inpatient or post-acute programs for patient evaluations or treatment as needed. Physical demands include safely moving, guiding, positioning, and transferring patients; lifting up to 50 pounds; and repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling.

Requirements

Degree from an accredited physical therapy program.
BLS certification.
Licensed to practice in Georgia.
Basic computer skills.
Working knowledge of treatment and therapeutic patient-care devices used by physical therapy staff.
Knowledge of growth and development, and ability to obtain, interpret, and communicate information according to the needs of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Competency in time management, organization, prioritization, and critical thinking, including planning and organizing assignments around patient needs.
Commitment to professional growth and improving skills.
Effective and timely verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.
Ability to adapt to changing work demands and environments.
Critical-thinking and sound-judgment skills to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
Successful completion of orientation and initial competency assessment by the required due date.
Completion of mandatory education and annual competency assessments by the required due date.
Ability to move, guide, place, transfer, and position patients safely, including lifting up to 50 pounds and repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling.

Nice To Haves

Two years of recent clinical experience is preferred.
Hands-on experience with dry needling techniques.
Clinical experience in neurologic and orthopedic rehabilitation settings.
Strong knowledge and application of manual therapy techniques.
Experience incorporating Pain Neuroscience Education into patient treatment.
Passion for helping patients overcome complex pain conditions through innovative, patient-centered care.
Previous experience with patients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, or vestibular disorders.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients’ physical and functional status, including muscular strength, motor functions, reflexes, ambulation, and activities of daily living.
Interview and observe patients, review medical histories, and administer sensory, muscle, range-of-motion, and other evaluations.
Develop, implement, periodically reassess, and adapt treatment programs to improve patients’ functional skills.
Plan and deliver patient and family training, including instruction on exercise programs and equipment use.
Utilize and order in-house trial equipment as needed and fit equipment correctly to patients.
Schedule patients for specialty clinics and programs when appropriate.
Determine and order or recommend durable medical equipment in consultation with patients, caregivers, payer sources, and team members.
Discuss evaluations, goals, and treatment with patients and families.
Use evaluation findings to determine discharge-planning needs.
Participate in intradepartmental staff meetings and discipline or program committee assignments.
May teach and supervise students as part of education programs.
Participate in research projects as needed.
Prepare and maintain timely, clear, and complete records of observations and care in accordance with Center policy.
Follow Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies and procedures, and safety practices; report injuries, accidents, and other safety issues.
Participate in center-wide efforts affecting physical therapy practice and establish relationships with other physical therapists.
May supervise and educate therapy support personnel during and outside of PT treatment sessions.
May float to inpatient or post-acute programs to evaluate or treat patients as needed.
Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and applicable policies and procedures; identify potential risks and support their resolution.
Perform other duties as required, requested, or assigned.