Physical Therapist Assistant-IHR Casual As Needed

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • DeKalb, IL

2d • $39 - $45

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant position reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values; adheres to its Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program; and complies with applicable policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards. The role is for a licensed physical therapist assistant who follows professional and Illinois state standards of practice. It includes direct patient care, patient education, participation in committees and departmental process improvement, and serving as a professional and clinical role model for therapists and clinical interns.

The assistant provides treatment under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, documents patient response and progress in the electronic medical record, and collaborates with the physical therapist on care from initial contact through discharge. The position also contributes to patient and staff education, professional relationships, departmental projects, service improvement, and student clinical or observation programs. The role is casual as needed, with a day shift; the employee may need to flex their schedule or assignment to meet patient-care needs and attend meetings outside normal work hours.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• BLS certification from the American Heart Association upon hire.
• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Northwestern Medicine’s values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
• Maintain a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance; provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers, respond to concerns, and help them find their way.
• Use service recovery skills to address problems or service breakdowns.
• Collaborate with coworkers across departments, communicate effectively, respect diverse opinions, and recognize others’ contributions.
• Use organizational and departmental resources efficiently and complete assignments on time.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, cost reduction, streamlined processes, and the improvement and growth of services.
• Adapt treatment to special circumstances using creative problem-solving and appropriate treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols.
• Document patient response, actual performance, and status in daily notes that support the treatment plan, continuity of care, discharge planning, payer interpretation, reimbursement, and applicable documentation requirements.
• Use treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols competently, adjusting treatment under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• Collaborate with the physical therapist on the course of care from initial contact through discharge to support functional progress, safety, and treatment outcomes.
• Enter all notes in the electronic medical record and follow department documentation policies.
• Provide educational materials and methods appropriate to patients’ understanding and motivation.
• Participate in committees, departmental processes, special projects, and educational efforts such as in-services, journal clubs, new-hire orientation, and process improvement, as appropriate to clinical expertise and performance expectations.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with healthcare team members, including physicians, nurses, and case managers, and participate in internal and external marketing as expected by the department.
• Promote respectful communication by listening, inviting team input, communicating openly, remaining approachable, and acknowledging individual and team contributions promptly.
• Accept constructive feedback and make timely changes.
• Complete non-patient-care responsibilities within established timelines, including coverage notes, schedule-change requests, bonus-pay forms, and follow-up calls.
• Participate in student clinical or observation programs as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host, as expected by the department.
• Maintain productivity standards and flex schedule or assignment to meet patient-care needs and attend staff or departmental meetings outside normal work hours.

Benefits

• Northwestern Medicine offers a wide range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events. The posting directs candidates to the benefits website and eligibility information; specific benefits depend on employment classification.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree