Physical Therapist -Outpatient Spine and Pain Institute

Shepherd Center•Atlanta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Shepherd Center is hiring a Physical Therapist for its Dean Stroud Spine and Pain Institute. The role supports a specialized rehabilitation program focused on reducing chronic pain, decreasing reliance on medications, and improving patients’ physical and psychological well-being. The therapist evaluates patients, develops individualized treatment plans, and delivers evidence-based interventions to help patients restore function, improve mobility, and regain independence. The position involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, patient and family education, and specialized approaches that support recovery and long-term pain management. The role may also involve floating to inpatient or post-acute programs as needed.

Requirements

Degree from an accredited physical therapy program.
BLS certification.
License 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 share information according to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient needs.
Competence in time management, organization, prioritization, and critical thinking.
Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication.
Ability to adapt to changing work demands and environments, exercise sound judgment, and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
Ability to complete orientation, initial competency assessment, mandatory education, and annual competency assessment by required deadlines.
Ability to transfer and position patients, including lifting up to 50 pounds, and perform repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling.
Ability to use the body, tools, or special devices to move, guide, or position patients safely and effectively.

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.
Knowledge and application of manual therapy techniques.
Experience incorporating Pain Neuroscience Education into patient treatment.
Previous experience with patients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, and vestibular disorders.
Passion for helping patients overcome complex pain conditions through innovative, patient-centered care.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients’ physical and functional status, including strength, motor function, reflexes, ambulation, and activities of daily living.
Review medical histories, interview and observe patients, and administer sensory, muscle, range-of-motion, and other assessments.
Develop, implement, periodically reassess, and adapt treatment programs to advance patients’ functional skills.
Plan and deliver patient and family training to support proper care.
Select, order, and fit in-house trial equipment according to patient needs.
Schedule patients for specialty clinics and programs where 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, and instruct them in exercise programs and equipment use.
Use evaluation findings to determine discharge-planning needs.
Participate in staff meetings, discipline and program committees, and center-wide efforts affecting physical therapy practice.
May teach and supervise students, participate in research projects, and supervise or educate therapy support personnel.
Prepare and maintain records of observations and care, documenting clearly, completely, and on time according to Center policy.
Follow Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, procedures, and safety practices; report injuries, accidents, and other safety issues through required channels.
Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, policies, and procedures; identify potential risks and support resolution.
Perform other duties as required, requested, or assigned.