Physical Therapist for Inpatient Rehab/FIRST Program

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

• Team: Functional Independence Restoration Program (FIRST PROGRAM); a part of Inpatient Rehabilitation
• Location: Burnet Campus
• Status: 1.0 FTE
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, with rotating Saturday/Sunday coverage.

About the Job:

• Clinician will be cross‑trained for all Inpatient Rehab care areas to support broader service needs
• Works within a highly collaborative interdisciplinary team (PT, OT, nursing, school services, Rehab Medicine, Pain, and BMCP)
• Responsibilities include discharge planning from day one, outcome measure utilization, supporting global patient goals, and engaging across IP Rehab programming as needed
• Professional opportunities include participation in research/QI, education and presentations, program development, and involvement in FIRST clinics

To be considered as a candidate:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required
• 3+ years of work experience in a related job discipline required. We are not considering new grads for this job.
• Physical Therapist License in the State of Ohio required
• Skills: Strong communication, ability to integrate real‑time feedback, consistent structure and boundary setting, and flexibility in adapting plans of care

About the FIRST Program: Inpatient Rehabilitation for Children with Chronic Pain

Cincinnati Children’s offers one of the country’s only comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation programs for children whose severe, chronic pain is preventing them from enjoying a good quality of life. Our Functional Independence Restoration Program (FIRST) approach helps patients learn more about their condition, develop coping skills, recondition their bodies and transition back into their lives. This inpatient program is part of the Pain Management Center at Cincinnati Children’s, which is nationally recognized for its expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and research of complex pediatric pain conditions.

The FIRST Program involves intensive, inpatient rehabilitation for children and adolescents, 10-17 years of age, who are experiencing chronic pain syndromes and pain associated disability. Some patients experience significant pain relief as a result of the program, but the ultimate goal is to help them become more independent and resourceful so that they can manage their pain effectively and regain a typical life at home, at school and in their community.

Patients who benefit include those experiencing:

• Amplified musculoskeletal pain syndromes
• Complex regional pain syndrome (reflex sympathetic dystrophy)
• Fibromyalgia
• Functional abdominal pain syndrome
• Noninflammatory joint or back pain
• Widespread pain related to joint hypermobility syndromes

Primary Location

Schedule

Shift

Department

Employee Status

FTE

Weekly Hours

*Expected Starting Pay Range

*Annualized pay may vary based on FTE status

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us. 

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability