Physical Therapist

New York, NY
Education – Admin /
On-site
American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Since its founding season in 1940, ABT’s mission has been to create, present, preserve, and extend the incredible repertoire of classical dancing for the widest possible audience. Headquartered in New York City, ABT is the only cultural institution of its size and stature to extensively tour, enchanting audiences for eight decades in 50 U.S. states, 45 countries, and over 480 cities worldwide. ABT’s repertoire includes full-length classics from the nineteenth century, the finest works from the early twentieth century, and acclaimed contemporary masterpieces.  In 2006, by an act of Congress, ABT was designated “America’s National Ballet Company®.”

The Physical Therapist is a part-time position within the Wellness Program who is responsible for planning and administering physical therapy treatment plans designed to restore function, manage and alleviate pain, prevent disabilities, and promote overall fitness and health of the student dancers. The practitioner will develop screenings, personalized treatment plans, recommend medical specialists, and provide exercise techniques to improve their health. The position works with ABT’s Pre-Professional Division (approximately 70 students) and ABT Studio Company (12 dancers), plus the ABT Apprentice Program dancers in the fall semester (6 dancers). It will consist of 12-15 hours per week, including treatments, notes, and staff meetings. The hours of treatment are set at the beginning of each semester, with periodic evening and weekend responsibilities. The position reports to the Dean of Faculty & Students and Co-Director of ABT Education meeting and as needed for check-ins with our main company medical specialist to keep all ABT Education services in alignment with the organization.
 
The Physical Therapist will have a warm collaborative nature, positive energy, sense of humor, possess organization and prioritization skills and is self-motivated in the completion of his/her work. She/he will have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including interacting comfortably with various people. This person will have genuine empathy and an awareness of the needs and sensitivities of students.

Specific Responsibilities

    • Reviewing students’ medical histories and maintain patient records confidentially. 
    • Design and implement annual intake sessions for each student.
    • Provide physical therapy diagnosis through appropriate patient evaluation. Must be able to recognize and respond appropriately to urgent/emergent situations and determine safe level of participation or referral to specialist. 
    • Developing individualized treatment plans for students.
    • Outlining clear goals for students and the expected outcomes of the plan.
    • Using exercises, stretching, modalities, and hands-on therapy to manage students’ pain, increase mobility, and prevent further pain and injury.
    • Recording students’ progress and modifying the plan of care if needed.
    • Educating patients and family members about the recovery process when necessary.
    • Coordinate with ABT staff, medical specialists, Pilates/exercise instructors, collecting and reviewing their reports.
    • Coordinate care with ABT staff, Social Worker and Nutritionist.
    • Schedule students when necessary.
    • Complies with the New York State Physical Therapy Act, codes and regulations.
    • Any Physical Therapy related task deemed necessary by the Dean of Faculty & Student Affairs and Co-Director of ABT Education.

Essential Skills/Qualifications

    • Fully licensed practitioner in New York State for 3 years or more.
    • Compassion and empathy for patients who are often in pain and anxious about their future dancing careers. 
    • Attention to detail regarding a patient’s problems to analyze what they need to ease their pain and to prevent further injury.
    • Physical stamina for manual work on patients and long hours standing and modeling exercises.
    • Interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with patients and staff.
    • Communication skills to interact clearly with doctors and family members as well as patients.
    • Experience working with pre-professional ballet dancers.
    • Ability to work effectively with a streamlined staff and resources.
    • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
    • Low-ego, hands on, results-driven leadership style with down-to-earth, collaborative, “roll-up-your-sleeves” personality, who can rally others to take the initiative in their areas of expertise.
    • Ability to attend to multiple administrative matters simultaneously.
    • Ability to work collegially across departments and across the organization.
    • Comfortable with administrative technology, scheduling software, virtual meetings, Microsoft Office Suite.
    • Quick on their feet and comfortable with last minute scheduling adjustments.
    • Periodic weekend and evening hours.
$1,200 - $1,700 a week
$1,200-$1,700 per week, 12-15 hours per week, 30-31 weeks between Sept. 1-May 31 
 
American Ballet Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.