Physical Therapist - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) Center

University of Virginia

About The Position

UVA Health is seeking an innovative, patient-centered physical therapist to join our newly established Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) Center. This is a unique opportunity to be a founding member of a specialized multidisciplinary program dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with EDS and HSD. As an integral member of this clinic team, you will provide expert physical therapy consultation while actively contributing to the growth and evolution of this clinic’s workflows and interdisciplinary care pathways. This position is supported by our larger PT department and will have opportunities for cross training staff to help support this clinic. Job Profile Summary A Physical Therapist 2 consistently provides effective direct care to a variety of complex patients. In doing so the Physical Therapist 2 acts as a role model and supervisor for junior staff and helps identify patients who have unmet physical therapy needs. This level of therapist seeks and provides feedback for improved clinical practice and begins to assume a leadership role but seeks mentoring in this process. A Physical Therapist 2 is focused on expanding clinical knowledge and skills beyond the entry level and sharing this knowledge through in-services and mentoring PT1s in coordination of care with the other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Therapists at this level may be asked to contribute to performance appraisals. The PT2 is expected to serve as a primary clinical instructor for students. Individual contributors with responsibility in a clinical discipline or specialty. Typically involves diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients, and often include face-to-face interactions with patients. May also spend some time designing and implementing clinical programs, policies, and services using specialized knowledge and skills. Specialty license or certification required which is acquired through advanced education, training and/or experience. This career stream will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory technologist jobs. Requires basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and require vocational or technical education. Works under moderate supervision. Problems are typically of a routine nature but may at times require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures. Communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy
6 months relevant experience
Licensed to practice in Physical Therapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.

Nice To Haves

Experience treating patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, hypermobility spectrum disorders, or related connective tissue conditions
Experience with pain management, trauma informed care, chronic fatigue and movement-based rehabilitation
Interest or experience in clinical research related to the above
Interest in specialized patient populations and chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive musculoskeletal and functional assessments for patients served in the EDS clinic
Provide patient and caregiver education, and develop individualized treatment recommendations for ongoing physical therapy care
Collaborate with clinic physicians, advanced practice providers, and community therapists to ensure continuity of care
Engage with a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive, coordinated care
Communicate effectively with all team members, patients, and caregivers