Job Description

Job Requirements – Physical Therapist
South Beach Psychiatric Center, 777 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305

Education
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution (Doctor of Physical Therapy preferred).
• Successful completion of an approved clinical internship or residency program.

Licensure & Certification
• Current and unrestricted Physical Therapist license in the State of New York.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Additional certifications in neurorehabilitation, behavioral health, or geriatric care are preferred.

Experience
• Minimum of 2–5 years of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist.
• Prior experience in a psychiatric, behavioral health, or inpatient rehabilitation setting strongly preferred.
• Experience working with patients with complex comorbidities, including:
o Severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression)
o Cognitive impairments
o Substance use disorders
o Neurological and physical disabilities
• Experience in interdisciplinary team-based care required.

Clinical Skills & Competencies
• Strong ability to perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, including:
o Functional mobility assessments
o Gait and balance analysis
o Fall risk evaluation
o Musculoskeletal and neuromotor assessments
• Skilled in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans in a psychiatric setting.
• Ability to adapt physical therapy interventions for patients with:
o Fluctuating mental status
o Behavioral challenges
o Limited insight or engagement
• Competence in:
o Therapeutic exercise and conditioning
o Functional training (ADLs, transfers, ambulation)
o Fall prevention and safety training
o Pain management strategies
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology effects on physical function (e.g., sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms).
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques.

Patient Population Expertise
• Ability to work with:
o Acute and chronic psychiatric inpatients
o Geriatric psychiatry patients
o Patients with co-occurring medical conditions
• Understanding of how psychiatric conditions impact:
o Motor planning
o Coordination
o Motivation and participation
o Physical conditioning

Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Works closely with psychiatry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, social work, and recreational therapy.
• Participates actively in treatment planning meetings, discharge planning, and care coordination.
• Ability to communicate clinical findings effectively to multidisciplinary teams.

Communication & Behavioral Skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage patients who may be:
o Withdrawn
o Agitated
o Guarded or suspicious
• Strong therapeutic alliance-building skills.
• Demonstrated patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries in challenging clinical environments.

Safety & Risk Management
• Competence in identifying and managing safety risks in psychiatric environments.
• Knowledge of:
o Fall prevention strategies
o Safe patient handling and mobility
o Behavioral crisis response protocols
• Ability to modify treatment plans based on patient behavior and risk level.

Documentation & Administrative Skills
• Proficient in electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Ability to document:
o Evaluation findings
o Treatment progress
o Functional outcomes
o Discharge planning clearly and accurately
• Familiarity with clinical guidelines, regulatory standards, and hospital policies.

Professional Attributes
• Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, high-acuity psychiatric setting.
• Commitment to patient-centered, recovery-oriented care.
• Dedication to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice.

Vaccination requirements: QuantiFeron Gold blood test dated within 6 months, Hepatitis B titers dated within 1 year, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Varicella titers dated with 1 year, Proof of Flu. Screenshots are NOT an acceptable form of documentation. All results should have the persons full name, date of birth and the processing lab name printed on the top or bottom of the document.

We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other protected basis.