Summary

Provides direct patient care to individuals with physical disabilities and/or functional limitations in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. Plans therapy programs, directs and assists patients with exercises and use of adaptive devices, and evaluates patient progress. Educates patients and/or patient families in appropriate physical therapy methods. Services as a resource for clinicians and other professional staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conducts comprehensive patient evaluations. Documents evaluations and other patient information gathered via comprehensive reports and clinical notes.
2. Develops therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions and at-home programs to address needs identified in patient evaluations and in a manner consistent with program objectives, policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
3. Performs a range of manual therapy and therapeutic exercises, consistent with patient needs.
4. Writes comprehensive reports, documents patient contacts, and develops short- and long-term goals for patients.
5. Works in an interdisciplinary manner with other team members.
6. Supervises the evaluation and treatment services provided by practicum students and/or lower level therapists; evaluates student performance and provides guidance and feedback as appropriate to the development of clinical skills.
7. Develops, plans, leads, and/or participates in educational, training, and outreach activities, to include program development and presentation of lectures and/or workshops.
8. Engages in training and technical assistance of community providers.
9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 6 months of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: State of New Mexico Physical Therapist license.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to plan, develop, and implement physical therapy programs.
• Ability to perform diagnostic tests and evaluations for physical therapy patients.
• Skill in performing a range of manual physical therapy techniques for patients.
• Knowledge of the administration, indications and contra-indications of various physical agents and physical therapy techniques.
• Ability to assess individual patient needs.
• Ability to instruct physical therapy patients.
• Ability to safely lift and physically manipulate patients.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and/kinesiology.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client and/or client's family.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.
• Ability to work with a team in a collaborative manner.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status, if applicable.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Must maintain certification status.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• CPR Certified.
• May be required to submit immunization records for review for required vaccines and TB testing.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Light physical activity. Requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 09/01/2026