Senior I Physical Therapist - Clinical Locomotor Specialist- Part Time

Department:

Type of employment:

Shift:

Clinical Expertise in Gait Rehabilitation

• Conduct expert assessment of gait impairments across a wide range of neurologic and medically complex diagnoses.
• Implement evidence-based gait training interventions tailored to patient-specific needs.
• Perform orthotic assessments and guide prescription decisions in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Integrate knowledge of diagnosis-specific prognosis for locomotor recovery to inform goal setting, plan of care development, and intervention selection.

Technology Integration & Clinical Innovation

• Develop hands-on expertise with advanced gait training technologies, including:
  • Robotic gait training systems
  • Virtual reality–based rehabilitation tools
  • AI-supported clinical decision-making platforms
• Provide clinical insights to support product development, refinement, and optimization of gait training technologies.
• Lead or contribute to initiatives that drive innovation in locomotor training and technology-enhanced rehabilitation.

Research, Knowledge Translation & Collaboration

• Actively participate in clinical research, quality improvement projects, and data-driven outcome evaluation.
• Support knowledge translation within the organization and at the profession-wide level through presentations, publications, and resource development.
• Foster strong clinical collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to promote excellence in gait rehabilitation.

Mentorship & Education

• Provide mentorship through our comprehensive gait mentoring program.
• Teach and support skill development for internal staff and external learners through our academies, emphasizing neurologic gait training.
• Serve as a role model and clinical resource for best practices in locomotor recovery.

Qualifications & Preferred Experience

• Preferred: ABPTS Board Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS), though not required.
• Knowledge and experience in:
  • Early mobilization for individuals with complex neurologic conditions
  • Evidence-based gait rehabilitation practices
  • Body-weight–supported gait training modalities (treadmill and overground systems)
• Experience with robotic or technology-assisted gait training is preferred but not required; training opportunities provided.

Opportunities with This Role

• Deepen expertise with cutting-edge technologies in gait rehabilitation.
• Contribute to the development and evolution of robotics, VR-based systems, and AI-informed clinical tools.
• Engage in impactful research and help shape the future of neurologic gait training practices.
• Grow as an educator through structured teaching and mentoring roles.
• Influence program-level and organization-wide clinical decision-making in locomotor recovery.

Pay and Benefits*:

Pay Range: $82,800.00 annually - $120,000.00 annually

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 25 days of PTO plus 6 holidays per year to recharge, travel, and focus on what matters most. 

• Professional Growth & Learning: Continuing education and approved CEUs for PT/OT/SLP, plus 50% reimbursement (up to $1,000) for advanced certifications.

• Tuition Assistance: Up to $5,250 annually in tuition reimbursement to support your next degree.

• Career Advancement: Opportunities to grow within clinical/research specialties and leadership pathways across SRAlab’s integrated care teams.

• Wellness + Balance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, robust wellness and mental health support.

• Recognition + Rewards: Annual merit-based pay reviews and opportunities for differential pay for evening/weekend shifts.

• Loan Forgiveness Eligibility: Qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

• Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team that transforms lives. 

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits

Job Description Summary

Job Description

The Physical Therapist will:

• Conducts advanced evaluations of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems using validated assessment tools to inform individualized treatment plans.

• Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results. Delivers therapeutic interventions based on the latest clinical research and best practice standards.

• Designs and continuously adapts rehabilitation programs based on patient progress, emerging evidence, and functional outcome measures.

• Establishes patient centered and functional therapy goals utilizing evidence-based outcome measurement tools.

• Discusses evaluation results, goals, and treatment plans with patient, providing education and support as needed.

• Leads and participates in patient discharge planning including developing an in-home program when appropriate.

• Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining compliant records for physician communication, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies.

• Prescribes and recommends appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, mobility aides, bath equipment, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices. Partners with physicians and other providers to complete DME delivery and fitting. 

• Supports the development of future professionals by supervising and guiding physical therapy students in accordance with academic standards and evidence-based practice.

• Supports innovation in rehabilitation by collaborating on research projects and integrating emerging evidence into clinical practice.

• Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager, or Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.
• Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress information.
• Analytical ability to determine priorities, provide input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures and clinical best practices.
• Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

• Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.

• May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.