Physical Therapist

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Department of Neurology, Pediatric Neuromuscular Division's research portfolio continues to grow and physical therapists play a key role as clinical evaluators in all clinical trials. A physical therapist is currently needed to expand the clinical trial efforts as well as other important research related initiatives such as outcome measure and biomarker development.

Responsibilities

General Responsibilities for Physical Therapist :

• Perform clinical evaluations of the pediatric neuromuscular population.
• Perform functional and impairment-based evaluations.
• Evaluate patients for rehabilitation, adaptive, and durable medical equipment needs and make recommendations for follow-up and community care.
• Evaluate, prescribe, and measure patients for appropriate equipment.
• Responsible for submitting for funding for necessary equipment from third party payers writing detailed letters of medical necessity and appeals as needed.
• Work closely with regional vendors to provide prescribe and provide custom equipment.
• Serve as a community mentor in educating clinicians on care consideration guidelines for neuromuscular diseases.
• Work on a collaborative multidisciplinary team with mentorship available.
• Manage care for medically complex and medically fragile infants, children and adults.
• Support clinical and research initiatives within the Department of Pediatric Neurology.
• Assist once weekly in the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic, contributing to patient evaluations and multidisciplinary care.
• Collaborate effectively with clinical, research, and administrative teams.

Research Therapist / Evaluator Responsibilities :

• Clinical trial evaluation, spirometry testing, motor function testing, quantitative muscle testing and other clinical and research evaluations of neuromuscular patients.
• Data collection and entry, scheduling and preparation for research study visits.
• Monitoring adherence to regulatory requirements and good clinical practice.
• Assist the investigators in design, planning and implementation of new research projects.
• Assist in writing protocols.
• Assist in maintaining research files and interacting with monitors.
• Communicate with research teams at Columbia University and other institutions.
• Coordinate comprehensive multi-disciplinary care for patients with neuromuscular disease.
• Assist patients in their home care and equipment needs.
• Work with physicians to assess muscle strength and motor function as part of clinical evaluations.
• Travel / attend various training conferences as needed.
• Physician Billing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required. Requires 3 years related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree or Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
• At least one year of pediatric / juvenile work experience preferred.
• Experience with neuromuscular disease-SMA helpful.
• Highly motivated, interested in pediatric neuromuscular disease.
• Excellent clinical skills and an interest in academic research.
• Establish good rapport with children and bring creativity to treatments.
• Good assessment skills and be well versed in use of evidence-based practice.
• An individual who can perform well in both clinical practice and an academic research environment.

Other Requirements

• Contact with patients and / or research subjects.
• Ability to work in teams with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Computer skills are required including proficiency with MS-Word, MS-Excel, Outlook, and MS-Powerpoint.
• Eligible for NYS License in Physical Therapy; must be able to adhere to Good Clinical Practice and other regulatory guidelines.
• Good writing and communication skills are necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.