Staff, Clinical Services Physical Therapist

ABOUT NORTHSIDE

Northside Center for Child Development serves over 4,000 children annually through high-quality, outcomes-driven behavioral health, early childhood, and enrichment services. With over $30 million in annual funding, the organization provides children and their families with the support they need to overcome adversity, thrive, and pursue their dreams.

Northside has been a staple of the Harlem community since its founding in 1946 and a pioneer at the intersection of education and behavioral health for Black and Latino children. Several of its programs were the first in Harlem and established the standard of care for many social service agencies. Northside's founders, Doctors Kenneth, and Mamie Clark were psychologists whose breakthrough Black/White Doll Study was used as evidence in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared public school segregation unconstitutional. The philosophy behind this landmark decision, now on its 70th anniversary, continues to inspire Northside to create and drive innovative programs that focus on the strengths of families and the importance of children's self-esteem.

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit

JOB SUMMARY

As a child's physical therapist, you will be responsible for evaluating and treating children with physical disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Your goal will be to improve their mobility, alleviate pain, and promote overall physical health and well-being. You will work closely with children, their families, and other healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans and monitor progress.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducting initial evaluations to assess a child's physical abilities, limitations, and needs.
• Developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's specific condition and goals.
• Implementing therapeutic exercises, activities, and interventions to improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance.
• Using specialized equipment and techniques to assist children in achieving their therapy goals.
• Providing education and guidance to children and their families on exercises, activities, and strategies to support ongoing progress and rehabilitation.
• Monitoring and documenting progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed, and communicating with other healthcare professionals involved in the child's care.
• Collaborating with schools, community programs, and other resources to support children's physical therapy needs outside of clinical settings.
• Adhering to legal and ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for therapy sessions.

QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor's degree in physical therapy (BPT) or a related field.
• State licensure as a physical therapist and certification in pediatric physical therapy (CPP).
• Experience working with children with diverse physical disabilities, injuries, and medical conditions.
• Knowledge of child development, anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic techniques relevant to pediatric physical therapy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with children, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Compassion, patience, and empathy when working with children and their families.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments, prioritize tasks, and work independently as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to continuing education and staying updated on advances in pediatric physical therapy practices and research.