About Shepherd Center Shepherd Center is a world‑class rehabilitation facility with five decades of experience, specializing in spinal cord, brain injuries, trauma, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. It is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation and is a recognized Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model System. Shepherd is the only facility with an on‑site intensive‑care unit, enabling early rehabilitation for patients of all ages.Physical Therapist Responsibilities Evaluate patients' physical and functional status, including muscular strength, motor functions, reflexes, ambulation skills, and activities of daily living.Observe, interview patients, review medical history, and administer sensory tests, muscle tests, range‑of‑motion exams, and other evaluation techniques.Develop and implement treatment programs, periodically reassess and adapt as needed.Plan and deliver effective patient and family training to ensure proper care and use of equipment.Utilize and order in‑house trial equipment, correctly fitting it to each patient.Schedule patients for specialty clinics and programs when appropriate.Determine and order durable medical equipment in consultation with patients, caregivers, payer source, and team members.Discuss evaluation, goals, and treatment with patients and families, instructing them on exercise programs and equipment use.Use evaluation findings to determine appropriate discharge planning needs.Participate in intradepartmental staff meetings and discipline/program committees.Teach and supervise students; participate in education and research projects when needed.Prepare and maintain accurate records and documentation using proper forms and systems.Practice safety techniques, report injuries or safety issues, and assist in center‑wide safety efforts.Build relationships with colleagues, provide supervision or education to therapy support personnel, and float to inpatient or post‑acute programs as required.Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies.Identify potential risk areas and support problem resolution processes.Perform other duties as assigned.Required Minimum Education A degree from an accredited physical therapy program.Required Minimum Certification Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and a license to practice in Georgia.Required Minimum Experience Two (2) years of recent clinical experience is preferred.Required Minimum Skills Basic computer skills and working knowledge of therapeutic devices used by physical therapy staff.Knowledge of age‑specific patient needs for adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.Competency in time management, organization, prioritization, and critical thinking.Strong written, verbal, and non‑verbal communication skills.Adaptability to changing work demands and environments.Critical thinking and sound judgment to monitor and respond to patient needs.Completion of orientation, initial assessment, and mandatory education and annual competency assessments by specified deadlines.Preferred Qualifications Experience with patients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, and vestibular disorders.Physical Demands Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., perform repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling. Use of body, tools, or devices to safely move, guide, or place patients.Working Conditions Standard patient care environment with potential exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious viruses. Compliance with safety and regulatory standards is required.#J-18808-Ljbffr
