Physical Therapist/Clinical Associate (Part-Time) - Orthopedics - Program in Physical Therapy

Washington University; St. Louis, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis is seeking a Clinical Associate in Physical Therapy for outpatient orthopedics.

You will manage a partial caseload with collaborative, patient-centered care, crafting individualized treatment plans and ensuring accurate documentation and progress communication with physicians and families. Requirements include a Master’s in Physical Therapy and current licensure eligibility in MO/IL depending on location, plus BLS within one month of hire.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physical Therapy is required.
• Currently licensed or eligible for licensure in MO and/or IL depending on work location.
• Basic Life Support certification must be obtained within one month of hire.

Responsibilities

• Manages a full patient caseload efficiently with effective schedule management.
• Evaluates patients and determines a movement diagnosis.
• Develops and implements tailored treatment plans, including return-to-sport/work.
• Completes accurate and timely medical record documentation.
• Maintains communication with supervisors, billing, and referral teams to ensure proper care under approvals.

Skills

Adaptability

Caseload Management

Clinical Setting

Computer Literacy

Confidentiality

Critical Thinking

Evidence-Based Practices

Teamwork

Written Communication

Interpersonal Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Master's degree - Physical Therapy

Job description

Location ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 Scheduled Hours 32

Position Summary

The Clinical Associate in Physical Therapy plays a crucial and dynamic role in the healthcare continuum providing comprehensive, one-on-one assessments for patients resulting in the delivery of individualized therapy plans that cater to each patient's unique needs. The role is inherently collaborative, allowing for work in a supportive team environment that encourages open communication in order to provide the highest quality patient care. A strong emphasis is placed on leveraging expertise in movement to identify specific impairments and functional limitations that could be treated to optimize patient participation in desired activities. In addition to intellectually stimulating clinical duties, this role affords exceptional opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We value continuous learning and innovation, providing you with access to ongoing education and professional development resources. Our practice is dedicated to fostering a positive clinical culture that prioritizes the creation of a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for both patients and staff. You will be part of a forward-thinking team committed to excellence in patient care and operational efficiency. As a Clinical Associate in Physical Therapy, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in patients' lives while advancing your career in a nurturing and inclusive setting. The patient caseload for this position is primarily outpatient orthopedics.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages a full patient caseload efficiently, ensuring effective schedule management, and informs the supervisor of any concerns.
• Evaluates patients and determines a movement diagnosis.
• Develops and implements tailored treatment plans considering diagnoses, findings, co-morbidities, patient goals, and prognosis, including specialized plans for return to sport or work.
• Completes accurate and timely medical record documentation using approved formats.
• Collaborates with pre-arrival and billing team to ensure that all treatments are provided under valid referrals and within insurance approvals, adhering to state, federal, and intermediary guidelines and institutional policies.
• Provides thorough assessments, education, and individualized plans of care to patients and families/caregivers, explaining diagnoses, suggested activities, and expected outcomes.
• Maintains routine contact with patients and referring providers, as needed, to discuss patient progress and address any concerns.
• Provides home exercise programs and necessary community referrals.
• Facilitates and secures referrals for additional needed services and devices.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, relevant conferences, and continuing education to stay current with industry standards and best practices.
• Complies with infection control policies by maintaining a safe and clean working environment.
• Demonstrates flexibility and teamwork, actively participating in departmental functions to maintain a positive and efficient work environment.
• Communicates regularly with the supervisor about service needs, such as supplies, equipment, and training.
• Adheres to the discipline-specific State Practice Act and other relevant regulations.
• Performs duties ethically following the professional code of conduct for the discipline.

Working Conditions

Job Location/Working Conditions: Direct patient care setting. Normal office environment. Exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. Must be capable of wearing protective equipment.

Physical Effort: Occasional lifting 25-50 lbs. Frequent lifting 25 lbs. or more. Ability to lift 10 lbs. from floor to waist and carry for short distances. Push and pull occasionally with moderate force. Ability to coordinate hand movements for tasks like writing, typing, and patient manipulation.

Equipment: Therapy equipment. Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master's degree - Physical Therapy.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

• Basic Life Support - American Heart Association.
• Basic Life Support - American Red Cross.
• Physical Therapist - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• Physical Therapist - Missouri Division of Professional Registration.

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills: Not Applicable.

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

This part-time role offers up to 32 hours per week (.80 FTE), with the flexibility to negotiate a schedule between 20 and 32 standard hours. Flexibility is needed due to the needs of patients and the clinical practice.

Required Qualifications

Currently licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Missouri and/or Illinois depending on work location as a Physical Therapist. Basic Life Support certification must be obtained within one month of hire date. Basic Life Support certification (Online BLS certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the BLS requirements).

Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills: Adaptability, Caseload Management, Clinical Setting, Computer Literacy, Confidentiality, Critical Thinking, Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), Fast-Paced Environments, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Organizing, Patient Counseling, Prioritization, Problem Solving, Professional Ethics, Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Thinking, Teamwork, Written Communication.

Grade C14-H Salary Range $37.34 - $57.88 / Hourly. The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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