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Physical Therapist - Job Opportunity at Encompass Health

Ludlow, US
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: July 27, 2025
On-site
USD 50 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage extending to family members, providing substantial healthcare cost protection in today's expensive medical landscape
Generous accruing paid time off system that recognizes tenure and provides work-life balance essential for healthcare professionals
Tuition reimbursement program supporting continuous professional development and advanced certifications in a rapidly evolving healthcare field
Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan with employee stock purchase options, offering dual wealth-building strategies
Flexible spending and health savings accounts providing tax-advantaged healthcare expense management
Access to cutting-edge rehabilitation technology and well-equipped therapy facilities enhancing treatment capabilities
Day-one benefit eligibility for both full-time and part-time staff, demonstrating strong employee value proposition
Career advancement opportunities within a growing national healthcare network

Key Responsibilities

Deliver direct inpatient physical therapy interventions that drive measurable patient recovery outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates
Lead comprehensive patient assessment protocols and develop evidence-based treatment plans that optimize rehabilitation timelines and functional improvements
Supervise and coordinate multidisciplinary care teams to ensure integrated treatment approaches that maximize patient recovery potential
Build therapeutic relationships with patients by addressing complex physical, mental, and emotional rehabilitation needs that impact long-term recovery success
Monitor and document patient progress using clinical metrics that demonstrate treatment efficacy and support insurance reimbursement requirements
Contribute to quality improvement initiatives that enhance departmental performance and patient satisfaction scores

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree preferred, or Bachelor's Degree plus sufficient experience in the field

Experience

sufficient experience in the field

Required Skills

providing direct inpatient care to patients in need of physical therapy supervising care and treatments leading patient assessments creating personalized care plans addressing patient concerns building meaningful relationships with patients

Certifications

Current licensure or certification as required by state regulations CPR certification
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The inpatient rehabilitation sector is experiencing significant growth driven by an aging population requiring specialized post-acute care services, with particular demand for skilled physical therapists who can manage complex cases and reduce hospital readmissions. Healthcare systems are increasingly focusing on value-based care models that reward positive patient outcomes rather than volume of services. Healthcare technology integration is transforming physical therapy practice with advanced rehabilitation equipment, electronic health records, and outcome measurement tools becoming standard requirements. Therapists must now demonstrate proficiency with digital health platforms and data-driven treatment protocols. The shift toward outpatient and home-based care models is creating competitive pressure on inpatient facilities to demonstrate superior outcomes and shorter length of stays, requiring physical therapists to develop more intensive and efficient treatment approaches.

Salary Evaluation

The $50 hourly rate for per diem work is competitive for the Massachusetts market, translating to approximately $104,000 annually if worked full-time. This rate reflects the premium typically paid for flexible staffing and the specialized nature of inpatient rehabilitation work, positioning above the national average for physical therapists.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 professionals including occupational therapists, speech therapists, physicians, nurses, and case managers, with direct supervision of therapy assistants and coordination with nursing staff on patient care protocols.
This position represents a mid-level professional role with significant clinical autonomy and patient care responsibilities. The role requires independent clinical decision-making and care plan development, indicating substantial professional responsibility within the healthcare team hierarchy.

Key Projects

Implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols for specific patient populations such as stroke, orthopedic, and neurological rehabilitation cases Development and execution of quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing length of stay while maintaining or improving functional outcomes Participation in interdisciplinary care conferences and discharge planning processes that optimize patient transition to community settings

Success Factors

Clinical expertise in multiple rehabilitation specialties with ability to adapt treatment approaches based on complex patient presentations and comorbidities Strong communication and interpersonal skills essential for building therapeutic relationships with patients facing significant physical and emotional challenges during recovery Proficiency with healthcare technology including electronic health records, outcome measurement tools, and advanced rehabilitation equipment Understanding of insurance requirements and documentation standards necessary for reimbursement in the post-acute care environment Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, high-acuity environments while maintaining attention to detail and patient safety protocols

Market Demand

High demand driven by demographic trends, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 17% growth in physical therapy employment through 2033, significantly faster than average occupations. Inpatient rehabilitation specialists are particularly sought after due to the complexity of cases and specialized skill requirements.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced clinical assessment and treatment planning abilities are essential as physical therapists must quickly evaluate complex patient presentations and develop effective intervention strategies within the constraints of inpatient length of stay requirements Documentation and communication skills are critical for ensuring proper insurance reimbursement and coordinating care with multidisciplinary team members who rely on accurate progress reports for discharge planning decisions Adaptability and clinical reasoning skills are paramount given the diverse patient population and varying complexity of cases typically seen in inpatient rehabilitation settings

Beneficial Skills

Specialization in neurological or orthopedic rehabilitation techniques enhances marketability and effectiveness with the most common patient populations in inpatient settings Leadership and mentoring capabilities become increasingly valuable for career advancement and contributing to the development of junior staff and students Quality improvement and data analysis skills are beneficial as healthcare systems increasingly focus on outcome metrics and value-based care reimbursement models

Unique Aspects

Per diem scheduling flexibility allows for work-life balance while maintaining competitive compensation rates typically reserved for full-time positions
Access to cutting-edge rehabilitation technology and equipment that enhances treatment capabilities and professional development opportunities
Immediate benefit eligibility including tuition reimbursement supports continuous learning in a rapidly evolving healthcare field
Integration with a national healthcare network provides exposure to best practices and standardized protocols while maintaining local community focus
Focus on inpatient rehabilitation provides intensive patient interaction and the opportunity to witness significant functional improvements over concentrated time periods

Career Growth

Progression to senior clinical roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated clinical excellence, while management positions generally require 5-8 years of experience plus additional leadership development.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Physical Therapist or Lead Therapist positions with increased clinical oversight responsibilities and mentoring of junior staff Rehabilitation Supervisor or Manager roles overseeing departmental operations and quality metrics Clinical Specialist positions focusing on specific patient populations or advanced treatment techniques Director of Rehabilitation services with full departmental leadership and budget responsibilities

Company Overview

Encompass Health

Encompass Health operates as the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, with over 150 facilities nationwide and approximately 36,000 employees. The company specializes in post-acute care services and has established itself as a leader in the rehabilitation industry through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.

Holds a dominant market position in the inpatient rehabilitation sector with recognition as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and inclusion in the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, indicating strong operational performance and employee satisfaction metrics.
The Ludlow, Massachusetts location serves the greater Springfield metropolitan area and Pioneer Valley region, providing specialized rehabilitation services to a population base that includes both urban and rural communities with diverse healthcare needs.
Emphasizes patient-centered care with a collaborative team approach, supported by substantial investment in employee development and retention programs. The company culture prioritizes clinical excellence while maintaining focus on employee work-life balance and professional growth opportunities.
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