Research Physical Therapist
Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.

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At Shepherd Center, you'll discover a diverse and inclusive environment, enlightened leadership, a culture of teamwork, professionalism and mutual respect. If you are seeking career advancement, continuing education opportunities coupled with a welcoming and fun workplace, competitive compensation and employment benefits, visit our careers page to explore current openings.

The Research Physical Therapist engages in specialty physical therapy practice focused on maintaining equilibrium between care of the research participant and fidelity to the research protocol. The Research Physical Therapist participates in protocol development and implementation, data management and analysis, presentation, and manuscript preparation and publication. The Clinical Research Physical Therapist provides services within scope of license to research participants in outpatient and inpatient settings.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Research Physical Therapist is responsible for synthesizing and performing a wide range of professional, administrative, and clinical tasks with sound judgement. The Research Physical Therapist will:

• Manage clinical aspects of assigned research studies in collaboration with principal investigator.
• Perform consent discussions and obtain informed consent from participant or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) alone and/or with the investigator.
• Provide competent, compassionate physical therapy care based on scientific principles and clinical judgement.
• Perform functional, motor, sensory and/or other physical assessments, interventions, and clinical procedures.
• Prioritize and take action to maintain participant safety.
• Monitor participant outcomes with special attention to adverse reactions.
• Report participant status to the investigator(s).
• Review medical records, collect data, chart in the participant medical record, and transcribe data into the study data capture system.
• Prepare data for transmission to sponsor/collaborators and/or publication.
• Follow participant progress from recruitment through research engagement, treatment, discharge, and follow-up.
• Manage research funds for assigned projects (in conjunction with Director).
• Evaluate educational needs and develop and implement educational programs and materials for participants, caregivers, and staff.
• Mentor clinical and research staff as the protocol and participant expert.
• Develop specific systems and documents to implement complex protocols.
• Collaborate with internal departments to facilitate protocol implementation and minimize impact on clinical operations.
• Understand and adhere to research regulations.
• Prepare for and attend investigator meetings, sponsor monitoring sessions, site audits, and inspections. Ensure follow up actions are resolved.
• Communicate with Institutional Review Board(s) and manage submissions.
• Maintain regulatory documents for assigned studies.
• Communicate often with and develop working relationships with study sponsors, collaborating medical centers, and academic institutions.
• Advise on clinical outcome measures and physical interventions given identified population and specific aims.
• Coordinate and present educational and center promotional programs representing the institution and research program.

Other requirements:

• Practice proper safety techniques in accordance with Shepherd Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identify potential risk areas within area of responsibility and support the problem resolution process.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:

• Graduate of accredited Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy program .

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION:

• Licensed to practice as a Physical Therapist in the state of Georgia.
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years' experience working with a neurological patient population including:
  • Basic mobility training including transfers.
  • Gait training.

• Experience performing the following outcome measures:
  • International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI)
  • Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
  • Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III)
  • Mobility Gait Measures (10 MWT, 6MinWT, TUG, 25 Foot Walk Test)
  • Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
  • The Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensation and Prehension (GRASSP)
  • Patient reported outcomes

REQUIERD MINIMUM SKILLS:

• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
• Human Subject Protection and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) Training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP).
• ABPTS-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS).
• Clinical research experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement about precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
• Able to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting to 60 lbs.
• Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids, investigational drugs and devices, and infectious viruses.

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

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