Therapy Education Specialist - Spine (Full-Time)

Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital; Oakview (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OrthoNebraska is seeking a Therapy Education Specialist to promote ongoing professional development for therapy staff. The role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and advancing orthopedic care across lower and upper extremity spine populations.

The position requires a licensed PT or OT, 3+ years in outpatient settings, and BLS certification within 60 days. Expect ~30 hours of patient care weekly and collaboration with the Therapy Quality Coordinator to enhance outcomes.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an approved physical therapy or occupational therapy program.
• Fully licensed to practice physical or occupational therapy in the state of Nebraska and/or Iowa.
• Current BLS within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide and supervise quality patient care following established guidelines.
• Mentor and supervise therapy staff; oversee care plans and clinical development.
• Monitor staff performance with data collection and coaching to drive improvements.
• Develop protocols, return-to-sport testing, and technology integration for best practices.
• Coordinate department orientation and education programs with leadership.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Instruct

Collaboration

Team orientation

Multitasking

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

PT/OT degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Therapy Education Specialist is a change agent in promoting ongoing professional development of therapy staff. Position requires extensive knowledge of therapeutic interventions targeting orthopedic diagnoses of the lower extremity/upper extremity spine. They serve as a role model /consultant/mentor in skill development and utilizes various educational delivery methods to advance treatments that achieve unparalleled outcomes across the lower extremity/upper extremity spine orthopedic patient populations.

Hours / Schedule

40 / Mon-Fri 8-Hour shifts

Education

Graduate of an approved physical therapy or occupational therapy program – required.

License / Certification

Fully licensed to practice physical or occupational therapy in the state of Nebraska and / or Iowa – required.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 60 days of hire.

Advanced Certifications & Training Preferred

OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT, CHT, Cert MDT, NIOMPT, PRC or similar for review required. Tenured Professional Experience in lieu of certifications may be considered. Encourage working toward advanced certification if not currently held.

Experience

Experience: 3+ years minimum of experience as a physical or occupational therapist in an outpatient environment – required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to problem solve through a well-defined approach. Ability to instruct and collaborate with others. Strong team orientation. Ability to accomplish multiple tasks and prioritize activities. Strong analytical skills, with experience in data analysis, performance measurement, and the use of quality improvement tools is highly desirable. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence multidisciplinary teams. Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Essential Job Functions

Provide and Supervise quality patient care by following established guidelines. Approximately 30 hours a week dedicated to patient care (for 1.0 FTE) May include individual caseload, co treat or mentoring role with other therapy staff including oversight of care plans. Monitor performance of all levels of therapy staff by data collection, coaching, education and role modeling to ensure ongoing performance improvement. Problem solve and make decisions within area of accountability to ensure effective and efficient patient care. Monitor / facilitate progression of staff along clinical development pathways including curriculum and skill validation. Collaborate on development of protocols, return to sport testing, integration / training of technology and equipment to ensure best practices. Facilitate departmental education focused on evidence based best practices supported in research and literature. Assess ongoing needs for continuing education on new and evolving procedures, equipment and/or technology to enhance outcomes. Collaborates with management and Therapy Quality Coordinator for in-services and staff development programs. Leadership within committees required. Maintains all team member educational records of training programs. Coordinate and conduct department orientation for licensed therapy staff. Working closely with department leadership and Therapy Quality Coordinator. Evaluates orientation and onboarding experiences to ensure newly hired team members are prepared to practice safely and independently. Ensure completion of departmental subspecialty specific checklists and uploaded into team member files. Meets with new team members and Therapy Quality Coordinator, as needed, to discuss orientation process and collaborates with management if an orientation extension plan is required. Implement and evaluate processes to ensure team members meet established competency requirements. Partner with department leadership and Therapy Quality Coordinator to establish annual competency requirements based on the needs assessment, high risk/low volume skills, and performance improvement issues. Collaborates with department leadership and Therapy Quality Coordinator regarding personnel issues related to orientation and/or educational needs for successful onboarding. Mentor staff in areas of patient care, patient interaction, physician communication and time management. Employee is responsible for all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Preferred certifications listed may be considered as acceptable alternatives to the required certification, based on experience and role alignment.

Physical Requirements

This position is classified as Medium Work in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, requiring the exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Must be able to pass background check. We also conduct pre-employment physical and drug testing. Any job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical with a drug screen, background check and obtaining active licensures per job requirements.

About OrthoNebraska

OrthoNebraska creates the inspired healthcare experience all people deserve by giving a direct path to personalized care and life-enhancing outcomes. Routinely recognized as one of Omaha's top employers, OrthoNebraska is all about people. Our approach is grounded in collaboration. This means the physician, care team, support staff, patient, and caregivers work together to get patients back to what they love. Join the OrthoNebraska team, and work in a place where your ideas are celebrated and you have room to make your career journey your own.