• Provide high quality 1:1 therapy in a patient-centered environment
• Competitive compensation and generous sign-on bonus

Reporting to the Rehab Services Manager or Rehabilitation Supervisor with accountability to the Director and Team, performs evaluations, treatment planning, goal setting and develops and implements individual Physical Therapy programs designed to improve and maximize patient mobility and independent functioning within their physical limitations.

1. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, treat, and care for patients in assigned area. Implements assessment/treatment/care based on the developmental stages of the patient. Interprets verbal and nonverbal communication of the patient.

2. Evaluates patient’s functional abilities/disabilities utilizing techniques appropriate to the patient type including assessment of strength, range of motion, pain, sensation, balance, transfers, ambulation status, wound size and condition.

3. In accordance with patient evaluations, establishes treatment plan which specifies treatment goals and treatment modalities that will assist the patient to regain function, increase strength and decrease pain.

4. Administers and instructs patients in performance of all aspects of the treatment plan, assessing the effectiveness and modifying as necessary.

5. Prepares and completes all patient records, billing and documentation according to departmental guidelines.

6. Communicates and works in cooperation with physicians, nursing and other staff to provide optimal patient care.

7. Involves the patient, family and caregivers in the plan of care, including next-level-of-care planning. Conducts patient/family education sessions and provides self-directed programs considering the developmental needs of the patient.

8. Assists with supervision of paraprofessional staff, students and volunteers as directed; delegates tasks and monitors performance of tasks to ensure they are completed correctly.

9. Utilizes correct body mechanics. Adheres to hospital and departmental safety precautions and infection control procedures in order to maintain a safe patient care and working environment.

10. Assists with planning and conducting in-service programs and participates in staff meetings, rehab conferences and educational programs. Attends all mandatory in-services.

11. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth; keeps abreast of developments in the field of Physical Therapy and incorporates approved developments in treatment and evaluation plans.

12. Participates in departmental Quality Assurance Program and special assignments as requested.

13. Adheres to all Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies and procedures.

Level I, Level II, Level III and Lead Physical Therapists perform the representative functions listed above. The following representative functions detailed in the grid below are specific to Level I, Level II, Level III and Lead Physical Therapists. Each therapist must satisfy all of the indicated functions and responsibilities marked with an “X” below to qualify for the specific level/lead role. For example, a Level III therapist must satisfy all functions marked with an “X” below in the Level III column. Exception: a Lead Therapist may have Key Results Areas defined as specific to their role that are more operational than clinical in nature, exempting that individual from some of the program leadership responsibilities listed below. The transition of an employee from a Level II to a Level III Physical Therapist is dependent on the availability of budgeted Level III positions within each Physical Rehabilitation Services Department cost center.
**Float II Therapists are differentiated based on scheduling assignments and specific pay program.**

Level I, Level II, Level III and Lead Physical Therapists perform the representative functions listed above. The following representative functions detailed in the grid below are specific to Level I, Level II, Level III and Lead Physical Therapists. Each therapist must satisfy all of the indicated functions and responsibilities marked with an “X” below to qualify for the specific level/lead role. For example, a Level III therapist must satisfy all functions marked with an “X” below in the Level III column. Exception: a Lead Therapist may have Key Results Areas defined as specific to their role that are more operational than clinical in nature, exempting that individual from some of the program leadership responsibilities listed below. The transition of an employee from a Level II to a Level III Physical Therapist is dependent on the availability of budgeted Level III positions within each Physical Rehabilitation Services Department cost center.
**Float II Therapists are differentiated based on scheduling assignments and specific pay program.**

Level I Physical Therapist
Occasionally acts as a resource to fellow clinical staff and periodically assists with process improvement initiatives, but only in a limited capacity and not as primary job functions.

Level II
Physical Therapist
Acts as a resource to all clinical staff in own area of specialty, which may be through direct hands on, monitored, observed consultative approach or constructive approach.
Assists in the selection, orientation, and training of staff, students and supportive personnel.
Independently manages complex patients and assists staff in handling these patients and adapting treatment program
Has completed training and routinely applies advanced clinical specialist knowledge in direct patient care
Assists in development/revision of electronic medical record (EMR) templates as appropriate for specialty.
Assists less experienced staff in patient care.

Level III
Physical Therapist
Acts as a resource to all clinical staff in own area of specialty, which may be through direct hands on, monitored, observed consultative approach or constructive approach.
Assists in the selection, orientation, and training of staff, students and supportive personnel.
Independently manages complex patients and assists staff in handling these patients and adapting treatment program
Has completed training and routinely applies advanced clinical specialist knowledge in direct patient care
Assists in development/revision of electronic medical record (EMR) templates as appropriate for specialty.
Assists less experienced staff in patient care.
Serves as a clinical instructor (CI) for students.
Leads an NCH program and assists with remedial competency training as identified by supervisor/manager for the program.
Participates in and provides extensive in-service education to staff as well as other health professionals and the community.
Responsible for education, competency and training as a program leader.

Lead Physical Therapist
Acts as a resource to all clinical staff in own area of specialty, which may be through direct hands on, monitored, observed consultative approach or constructive approach.
Assists in the selection, orientation, and training of staff, students and supportive personnel.
Independently manages complex patients and assists staff in handling these patients and adapting treatment program
Has completed training and routinely applies advanced clinical specialist knowledge in direct patient care
Assists in development/revision of electronic medical record (EMR) templates as appropriate for specialty.
Assists less experienced staff in patient care.
Serves as a clinical instructor (CI) for students.
Leads an NCH program and assists with remedial competency training as identified by supervisor/manager for the program.
Participates in and provides extensive in-service education to staff as well as other health professionals and the community.
Responsible for education, competency and training as a program leader.
Provides operational, administrative and/or clinical support to staff based on specific site/location needs. Performs a minimum of 66.6% of patient care and a minimum of 25% of time is assigned to non-patient-care lead therapist responsibilities.
Supports extra-departmental/ organizational committees
Champions process improvement efforts within area of responsibility under direction of the Rehab Services Manager
Assists manager with annual assessment of staff performance

1. The completion of a degree in Physical Therapy from an A.P.T.A. accredited school, or the equivalent.

2. Current Illinois licensure or eligibility.

3. CPR certification through the American Heart Association.

4. See grid for other specific level requirements.

5. The interpersonal skills necessary to interact with patients, their families, physicians and other personnel, and to direct the work of paraprofessional/supportive staff and students.

6. The ability to assess, treat and care for adults (18-64 years) and geriatrics (65+) from a developmental perspective. In selection locations, provide care for children (0-18 years).

7. The communication skills necessary to document patient progress and to assist in conducting in-services.

8. The analytical skills required to evaluate patient progress and response to treatment and to adjust plan of care.

9. The organizational skills necessary to administer multiple therapeutic programs simultaneously.

10. The ability to effectively and accurately operate all department equipment related to physical therapy treatments.

11. The ability to utilize a computer as deemed necessary to perform job duties.

12. Access to an automobile and a valid Illinois driver’s license (Home Care only).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable the individual with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:
1. Provide clear and effective verbal communication to physicians, patients, families, guests and other members of the health care team
2. Display concentration and attention span for brief and extended periods of time (up to 90 minutes) to perform tasks including patient evaluations, patient treatments, participation discharge panels, participation in continuing education activities)
3. Respond to emergency signals and indicators
4. Push/pull patients in wheelchairs/carts (100-300 lbs.) for short distances
5. Push/pull supplies and equipment weighing up to 100 lbs.
6. Moderately assist patients in transitions of movement.
7. Visually assess and monitor patient’s efforts at mobility
8. Observe and comprehend written format in a medical chart.
9. Commute between office space and treatment locations
WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Conditions are acceptable. There is some risk in exposure to toxic substances and infectious diseases.

About Northwest Community Healthcare

In January 2021, Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) joined NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is now NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health. The NCH Arlington Heights campus features a 509-bed hospital with a Level II Trauma Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a dedicated pediatric acute care center. Throughout the northwest suburbs, NCH has 23 doctor’s offices; five immediate care centers; seven physical rehabilitation sites; and 13 lab locations.

NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. Located in Naperville, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, provides for the mental health needs of area residents. For more information, visit NorthShore.org, SwedishCovenant.org, NCH.org and EEHealth.org.