Physical Therapist II

Job Description

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

Summary:

UNC Health is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Physical Therapist II – Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team within the provider-based outpatient orthopedic and specialty therapy division of the Rehabilitation Services Department at UNC Medical Center. This role is central to the development, implementation, and delivery of a pulmonary physical therapy program, co-located with cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, outpatient orthopedic therapy, and a fully resourced fitness facility at the UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont.

About the Role

This position offers a unique opportunity to provide specialized care for patients with chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions while also leading the establishment and growth of a pulmonary physical therapy program. As the first physical therapist dedicated to this service, you will play a critical role in shaping its future by designing workflows, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and integrating evidence-based practices into care delivery.

You will work closely with the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation professionals and leverage the resources of a fully equipped fitness facility to create a seamless and comprehensive rehabilitation experience for patients. This setting allows for personalized, one-on-one patient interactions to optimize outcomes and build strong therapeutic relationships.

Success in this role requires a self-starter who thrives in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, manage program development responsibilities, and provide high-quality patient care. Initiative, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills are essential to establishing effective workflows, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring the success of this program. While this role is primarily clinical, it includes mentorship opportunities, quality improvement initiatives, and engagement in professional development to enhance UNC Health’s growing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.

The ideal candidate would have at least 5 years of clinical experience with at least 2 years in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation or Cardiopulmonary physical therapy, acute care, or related specialty settings. Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS) is preferred but not required.

Additionally, they would possess the following skills:

• Strong clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in designing exercise programs for patients with complex medical needs, including oxygen use and ventilatory limitations, or a willingness to develop these skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage program development responsibilities as a self-starter.
• Experience working with diverse patient populations, including those with advanced or rare pulmonary conditions, or a strong desire to build this expertise.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care:

• Perform comprehensive, evidence-based evaluations to address functional limitations, mobility impairments, and respiratory challenges in patients with pulmonary diagnoses.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans tailored to the needs of patients with conditions such as COPD, interstitial lung disease (ILD), pre- and post-transplant recovery, Long COVID, POTS, and general deconditioning.
• Provide specialized care for pulmonary physical therapy patients while maintaining the clinical versatility of a generalist physical therapist.

2. Collaboration with Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation:

• Work closely with cardiopulmonary rehabilitation professionals to create a cohesive cardiopulmonary physical therapy program, fostering continuity and coordination for patients transitioning between services.
• Leverage co-located resources and shared expertise to maximize patient outcomes in a collaborative environment.

3. Patient and Caregiver Education:

• Deliver patient education on energy conservation, breathing techniques, activity pacing, and self-management strategies, including the use of supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support.
• Provide caregivers with tools and resources to support patient adherence and engagement in home-based programs.

4. Diagnostic Testing and Outcome Tracking:

• Conduct functional and diagnostic assessments, such as pulse oximetry, spirometry, and exercise tolerance testing, to guide treatment planning and monitor progress.
• Track patient outcomes using validated measures like the 6-Minute Walk Test, Borg Scale, and Quality-of-Life Questionnaires to ensure effectiveness and accountability.

5. Clinical Documentation and Evaluation:

• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation in alignment with Medicaid, Charity Care, and UNC Therapy Services standards.
• Regularly reassess patients, adjust treatment goals, and modify interventions to ensure progress and alignment with evidence-based practices.

6. Mentorship and Professional Growth:

• Mentor Physical Therapy students, fellows, or residents by demonstrating clinical reasoning and advanced rehabilitation techniques in a specialized setting.
• Stay current with emerging practices in pulmonary physical therapy to continually improve care delivery.

7. Community Involvement:

• Engage in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about pulmonary physical therapy and its benefits.
• Support efforts to improve health equity and expand access to care, particularly for underserved populations.

8. Quality Improvement and Program Evaluation:

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, and program outcomes.
• Contribute to the evaluation and evolution of clinical practices to ensure alignment with the latest evidence-based guidelines.

Why UNC Health?

At UNC Health, we are committed to supporting your health, financial security, and professional growth. We offer:

• Comprehensive benefits, including competitive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Annual opportunities for market/merit pay increases.
• Generous PTO, retirement options with employer matching, and wellness programs to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for continuing education, board certification/recertification reimbursement, and tuition assistance.
• One-on-one 45-minute sessions to ensure personalized, patient-centered care, allowing you to deliver optimal outcomes and build strong therapeutic relationships.
• Access to fully resourced fitness and rehabilitation facilities, with cardiac rehabilitation and other interdisciplinary services.
• Unique opportunities to engage in community outreach, addressing health disparities, and improving access to care.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.
• Onsite at UNC Therapy Services - Meadowmont, Chapel Hill, NC.

Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
● Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapy program.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
● Licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state of North Carolina.
● BLS
Professional Experience Requirements:
● Five (5) years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist, including one (1) year in the specialty field.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:

Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Medical Center

Organization Unit: UNC Therapy Services

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Salary Range: $35.52 - $51.05 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes

This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.