Research Fellow PT/OT SCI
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.

Join us in our mission to help people with a temporary or permanent disability, rebuild their lives with hope, independence and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.

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 PT/OT Research Fellow contributes to clinical research projects through performing rehabilitation interventions and functional assessments and collecting data for research participants specific to the program needs. The Fellow performs research duties three days/week and performs clinical duties the other two days/week.

On clinical days, the Fellow is responsible for treating patients (adolescent, adult, and geriatric) assigned, determining short-term and long-term goals in conjunction with the patient and other Shepherd Center team members, and developing and implementing a comprehensive treatment program to meet these goals. In this active and hands-on position, the Fellow greatly improves the patient experience through rehabilitation services. This role collaborates and engages with others in order to facilitate patient recovery.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• The PT/OT Research Fellow contributes to research projects and assists with knowledge translation between the research and clinical settings.
• Completes credentialing requirements for participation in ethical conduct of human subjects research.
• Assists with standardized assessments and interventions as part of a standardized research protocol.
• Contributes to the development of scientific manuscripts and presentations.
• Participates in reviews and discussions of scientific literature.
• Acts as a liaison between the clinical and research staff to promote the two-way exchange of knowledge.
• Serves as a preceptor to assist in guiding the development and execution of student research projects.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with 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.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited physical therapy or occupational therapy program.

• Georgia physical therapy or occupational therapy license.
• BLS Certification

• Experience with literature reviews and scientific writing.
• Clinical experience working with individuals with neurological conditions.
• Previous clinical experience working with individuals with neurologic conditions.

• Skilled with design study, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, manuscript preparation.
• Working knowledge of all treatment and therapeutic patient care devices used by physical therapy staff.
• Must display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric.
• Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seeks opportunities for improving skills.
• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling physical requirements.

• No potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.