Registered Physiotherapist – Primary Care

Hours of work: Full-time: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, within the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility to offer some early morning or late visits to meet patient preference.

Part-time opportunities may also be considered, 20 hours +.

Benefits: A comprehensive health, drugs, vision and dental package and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP). Paid vacation, personal leave and a generous professional development budget. Our team also benefits from additional paid time off throughout the year.

About the Opportunity

Are you an experienced physiotherapist looking for an opportunity to use your clinical expertise in a collaborative, autonomous and meaningful primary care environment? The Georgian Bay Family Health Team (GBFHT) is expanding its new Primary Care Physiotherapy Program and is seeking three Physiotherapists to join our team of two.

This is an exciting time to join the program as we expand our PT team! You will have a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping and growing an innovative model, while improving access to physiotherapy in primary care.

In this role you will provide primary care assessment, education, care planning and resource navigation, as well as clinical guidance for rostered patients presenting with musculoskeletal, mobility, pain and functional concerns.

The program is designed around timely first-contact assessment, clinical reasoning, patient education, self-management and appropriate care planning/resource navigation. You will have the time and clinical autonomy to listen to patients, assess their concerns, develop a clear clinical impression and help them understand their next steps. This is a manageable and sustainable clinical environment, with autonomy and an emphasis on quality over volume.

You will also work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners and the broader Family Health Team, to provide more coordinated and efficient care for patients.

As a member of this growing program, you will contribute not only to individual patient care, but also to the development of a new approach to delivering physiotherapy within primary care.

About the Georgian Bay Family Health Team (GBFHT)

Our region offers outstanding four-season recreation for those who enjoy the outdoors. Georgian Bay Family Health Team (GBFHT) is a progressive, interdisciplinary team and an active partner in the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team (OHT), with strong community relationships across the region.

We offer a welcoming, collaborative and supportive work environment, a modern EMR system and AI scribe, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

As part of the Family Health Team, you will have direct access to a broad range of health professionals and services, supporting communication, collaboration and coordinated care. Services include Lung Health, Healthy Aging, Nutrition Counselling, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Mental Health Counselling and Telemedicine.

 Key responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive physiotherapy assessments for rostered patients presenting with musculoskeletal, mobility, pain and functional concerns.
• Use research and evidence to inform clinical care, education and planning.
• Advise patients on health promotion, disease, illness and accident prevention.
• Deliver front-line consultation, triage and early intervention for musculoskeletal and mobility-related concerns.
• Assess and support patients prior to primary care provider appointments where appropriate to assist with early assessment, patient education and care planning.
• Collaborate closely with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to support coordinated patient care.
• Identify patients requiring further medical evaluation, imaging, specialist referral or urgent intervention.
• Provide patient education regarding injury prevention, self-management strategies, ergonomics, exercise guidance and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Support chronic disease management initiatives where physiotherapy input may improve function and quality of life.
• Document assessments, recommendations, progress notes and care plans within the electronic medical record (EMR) in a timely manner.
• Participate in case conferences, quality improvement activities and interdisciplinary care planning.
• Assist in developing clinical pathways and best practices related to musculoskeletal and functional care within primary care.
• Promote appropriate utilization of healthcare resources and support reduction of unnecessary specialist referrals and diagnostic imaging where appropriate.
• Maintain professional standards, continuing education and regulatory requirements.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in physiotherapy, holding current registration with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario in good standing.
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence and operational vehicle

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ physiotherapy experience
• Experience with community care and/or a primary care setting preferred.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team environment preferred.
• Evidence of continued postgraduate training in musculoskeletal or orthopedic physiotherapy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including effective use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office. PS Suite experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and be self-directed.

Skills

• Models and promotes core ethical practice and reflects an optimistic and positive attitude.
• Strong clinical reasoning and ability to formulate and implement individualized care plans based on assessment findings.
• Comfortable providing patient education, self-management strategies and clinical guidance.
• Adept at working collaboratively with members of our interprofessional team, family physicians, nurse practitioners and other community health professionals.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to patient-centred, equitable and accessible care.
• Strong risk management skills and commitment to optimizing patient safety.

Why Join GBFHT?

This is an opportunity to build a rewarding career within a supportive environment while making a meaningful difference in how patients access care. You will have the opportunity to:

• Practice with autonomy and use your clinical judgment to determine appropriate assessment, education, care planning and follow-up.
• Have time for thoughtful patient care, with a manageable pace and emphasis on quality clinical assessment.
• Improve access to physiotherapy for patients who may otherwise face barriers to receiving care.
• Work as part of a truly interdisciplinary team, with opportunities for direct communication and collaboration with physicians, nurse practitioners and other health professionals.
• Help shape a new model of care and contribute to the ongoing development of Primary Care Physiotherapy within the healthcare system.
• Enjoy stability and security, including regular income, comprehensive benefits, HOOPP pension, paid vacation and personal leave.
• Maintain work-life balance with Monday-to-Friday daytime hours, schedule flexibility and additional organizational paid time off.
• Be part of a welcoming and supportive team that values collaboration, professional autonomy, innovation and a positive workplace culture.

Join us in building the future of primary care physiotherapy in South Georgian Bay.