Physical Therapist

This is a Full Time Job

Job Title: Physical Therapist
Department: Basketball Operations, Training
Reports to: Head Athletic Trainer & Senior Physical Therapist

Position Summary: This position is tasked with overseeing all physical therapy needs of LAL players and team, including acute injuries, short and long-term rehabilitation, and preventative treatments. It plays a critical role within the Training department and the Player Performance & Health group. Must be able to work well in a team and travel to at least 50% of all away games.

Essential Functions (Duties & Responsibilities):
• Work with the team physicians and Head Athletic Trainer to provide physical therapy to LAL players including pre-participation screening, care and treatment of physical disabilities, function and mobility restoration, and pain relief, as well collaborating with return to play progressions (Address all types of injuries (acute, chronic, maintenance, preventative, etc.))
• Use current evidence-based research in manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, corrective exercises, etc., as are acceptable to the team physicians
• Conduct baseline evaluation and assessment of each athlete, including flexibility, mobility, stability, speed, power, and cardiovascular fitness, as well as biomechanical evaluations, to identify movement pattern dysfunctions and injury risk
• Prepare Soap Notes (subjective, objective, assessment and plan) for each player and anyone treated
o Soap Notes provided to key coaching, performance, and front office personnel to the extent permitted by HIPAA and all other applicable privacy laws)
o Daily document individual daily injury treatment programs, corrective programming, physical therapy evaluations and reassessments
o Collect daily Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) data and send to Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
o Work with Head Athletic Trainer to keep all electronic medical records up-to-date
• Attend daily meetings with Performance staff to discuss updates
• Prepare a written final physical evaluation for each player
o Written Report provided to the Director of Player Performance &Health, Head Athletic Trainer, Head Coach, GM and Assistant GM (at the end of each season, but prior to Team player exit interviews)
• During the NBA offseason, maintain periodic contact with injured players that may require physical therapy and keep Director of Player Performance &Health, Head Athletic Trainer, and GM informed of all off-season rehabilitation and injuries.
• Assist in evaluating the integration of sports science and technology, in collaboration with the medical and Performance staff
• Collaborate with medical and Performance staff to conduct and evaluate NBA Prospects via Pre-Draft Testing
• Collaborate with Performance staff to assist in the design and implementation of rehabilitation protocols
• Assist with various other duties and special projects, as assigned by the Head Athletic Trainer
• Attend training camp, all practices, all home and away preseason, regular season and playoff games

Education:
• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree required
• Bachelor's degree in athletic training, biology, exercise science, psychology, health sciences or related field preferred

Credentials & Certifications:
• Licensed to practice as a physical therapist in the state of California (or able to obtain license in CA) required
• Board-certified in Sports, Orthopedics, and/or manual therapy preferred
• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or similar preferred

Previous Experience:
• Minimum three (3) years of professional team experience or at least five (5) years in the collegiate sports medicine setting

Knowledge, skills, abilities:
• Decision-making skills: Ability to think critically and partner with Head Athletic Trainer and Director, Player Performance & Health on decisions regarding assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and return to play decisions; must be able to prioritize and perform multiple tasks as needed
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate effectively in high stress/pressure situations when talking to athletes, medical professionals, management, staff, and other stakeholders
• Attention to detail: Must be thorough and detailed with injury tracking and documentation; excellent organization, data collection, and planning skills
Location: El Segundo (offices M-F), Crypto.com Arena (Lakers home games)
Travel: Must be available to travel to at least 50% of away games

The pay range for this role is $150,000 to $180,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience and certifications

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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