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

Position Summary Scheduled Hours: 40 The Clinical Associate in Physical Therapy plays a crucial and dynamic role in the healthcare continuum, providing comprehensive, one‑on‑one assessments for patients and delivering individualized therapy plans that cater to each patient's unique needs. The role is inherently collaborative, allowing work in a supportive team environment that encourages open communication 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 can 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. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Manage a full patient caseload efficiently, ensuring effective schedule management and informing the supervisor of any concerns. Evaluate patients and determine a movement diagnosis. Develop and implement tailored treatment plans considering diagnoses, findings, co‑morbidities, patient goals, and prognosis, including specialized plans for return to sport or work. Complete accurate and timely medical record documentation using approved formats. Collaborate 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. Provide thorough assessments, education, and individualized plans of care to patients and families/caregivers, explaining diagnoses, suggested activities, and expected outcomes. Maintain routine contact with patients and referring providers, as needed, to discuss patient progress and address any concerns. Provide home exercise programs and necessary community referrals. Facilitate and secure referrals for additional needed services and devices. Actively participate in departmental meetings, relevant conferences, and continuing education to stay current with industry standards and best practices. Comply with infection control policies by maintaining a safe and clean working environment. Demonstrate flexibility and teamwork, actively participating in departmental functions to maintain a positive and efficient work environment. Communicate regularly with the supervisor about service needs, such as supplies, equipment, and training. Adhere to the discipline‑specific State Practice Act and other relevant regulations. Perform duties ethically following the professional code of conduct for the discipline. Role may include teaching duties within the Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum. Working Conditions Job Location: 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 includes 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, and coordinate hand movements for tasks such as writing, typing, and patient manipulation. Required Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in 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 required. Eligibility: Currently licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Missouri and/or Illinois, depending on work location. Additional Requirement: Basic Life Support certification must be obtained within one month of hire date. Driver’s License: Not required. Preferred Qualifications Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.). Skills: Adaptability, Body Mechanics, Caseload Management, Clinical Setting, Computer Literacy, Confidentiality, Critical Thinking, Evidence‑Based Practices (EBP), Fast‑Paced Environments, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communication, Organizing, Patient Counseling, Patient Safety, Prioritization, Problem Solving, Professional Etiquette, Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Thinking, Teamwork, Written Communication. Additional Experience or Certifications: None specified. Salary Range $77,700.00 – $120,400.00 annually. 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. Benefits Statement Up to 22 days of vacation. 10 recognized holidays and sick time. Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance. Free Metro transit U‑Pass for eligible employees. Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with employee and university contributions starting at 7%. Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more. 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with a new child. Childcare resources for continued childcare needs. Adult care coverage and university tuition coverage for employees and families. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington University