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Physical Therapist- Spinal Cord Injury Innovation Center- Part-time

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you handle patient care continuity in a part-time role?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate well with full-time staff so patients are not affected by their schedule.

Tell me about a time you worked with the team to plan wheelchair or equipment needs for discharge.

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate equipment planning, which strongly affects life after discharge.

What research or evidence in spinal cord rehab have you used to change your practice?

What they are checking: Whether they connect current evidence to care, which matters at a research-focused hospital.

What would you do

A patient with a high-level injury gets a pounding headache during a standing session. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize autonomic dysreflexia and respond immediately to keep the patient safe.

A patient asks you whether they'll ever walk again. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can be honest and hopeful at the same time with a person facing a major injury.

How would you teach a caregiver to help with transfers at home safely?

What they are checking: Whether they train caregivers well enough to prevent injuries to both people after discharge.

About the work

How do you evaluate a patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury to set realistic goals?

What they are checking: Whether they use exam findings and injury classification to predict function and guide goals.

How do you decide between training walking and training wheelchair skills for a patient?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh recovery potential and daily function to choose the right focus.

The Spinal Cord Innovation Center uses advanced technology. What experience do you have with tools like robotic gait trainers or stimulation devices?

What they are checking: Whether they can use or learn the technology that sets this center apart.

How do you prevent orthostatic hypotension when getting a new spinal cord patient upright?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to safely progress upright tolerance using monitoring and equipment.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Department: Spinal Cord Innovation Center Type of employment: Part time Shift: Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $82,800.00 annually - $120,000.00 annually Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Benefits : • Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 25 days of PTO plus 6 holidays per year to recharge, travel, and focus on what matters most. • Professional Growth & Learning: Continuing education and approved CEUs for PT/OT/SLP, plus 50% reimbursement (up to $1,000) for advanced certifications. • Tuition Assistance : Up to $5,250 annually in tuition reimbursement to support your next degree. • Career Advancement: Opportunities to grow within clinical/research specialties and leadership pathways across SRAlab’s integrated care teams. • Wellness + Balance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, robust wellness and mental health support. • Recognition + Rewards: Annual merit-based pay reviews and opportunities for differential pay for evening/weekend shifts. • Loan Forgiveness Eligibility: Qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. • Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team that transforms lives. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits Job Description Summary The Physical Therapist serves as a clinical expert in optimizing patient function and mobility through scientifically validated interventions. This role emphasizes the integration of current research, outcome-driven methodologies, and patient-centered care to promote recovery and adaptation to physical limitations. The Physical Therapist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute. The Physical Therapist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Physical Therapist will: • Conducts advanced evaluations of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems using validated assessment tools to inform individualized treatment plans. • Determines suitability for treatment based on patient evaluation results. Delivers therapeutic interventions based on the latest clinical research and best practice standards. • Designs and continuously adapts rehabilitation programs based on patient progress, emerging evidence, and functional outcome measures. • Establishes patient centered and functional therapy goals utilizing evidence-based outcome measurement tools. • Discusses evaluation results, goals, and treatment plans with patient, providing education and support as needed. • Leads and participates in patient discharge planning including developing an in-home program when appropriate. • Documents patient evaluation and progress, maintaining compliant records for physician communication, insurance carriers, and regulatory agencies. • Prescribes and recommends appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, mobility aides, bath equipment, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices. Partners with physicians and other providers to complete DME delivery and fitting. • Supports the development of future professionals by supervising and guiding physical therapy students in accordance with academic standards and evidence-based practice. • Supports innovation in rehabilitation by collaborating on research projects and integrating emerging evidence into clinical practice. • Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships • Reports directly to assigned Clinical Manager, Therapy Manager, or Supervisor. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy. • Licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. • Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required. • Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients. • Interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress information. • Analytical ability to determine priorities, provide input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures and clinical best practices • Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients. Working Conditions • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. • Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients. • May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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