PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (TR/PRN DAYS)

Riverside Healthcare • Kankakee, IL

4d

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) at Riverside Healthcare works under the direction of licensed Physical Therapists to provide treatment interventions aimed at improving mobility, strength, and overall function. The PTA supports the physical therapy team by implementing care plans, assisting with patient exercises, and monitoring patient progress. The position serves patients recovering from injury, surgery, or illness.

The role includes delivering patient-centered care in outpatient, inpatient rehabilitation, and acute settings, maintaining therapy documentation and equipment, educating patients and families, and participating in quality improvement, care team activities, and continuing education. The job description notes that other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Current Illinois state licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Ability to safely assist with patient transfers and mobility tasks and handle therapy equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, and ability to follow detailed treatment plans.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a physical therapy or rehabilitation setting is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Implement exercise programs, manual therapy, and other interventions as outlined in patients’ treatment plans under the direction of Physical Therapists.
• Monitor and document patient progress, and report changes or concerns to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Instruct patients in therapeutic exercise techniques and safe use of mobility aids, including crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs.
• Assist patients with mobility and transfers, ensuring their safety during therapy sessions.
• Collaborate with the rehabilitation team to provide patient-centered care tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Maintain accurate and timely therapy-session documentation in accordance with departmental policies and regulatory standards.
• Prepare therapy equipment and help keep the therapy environment clean, safe, organized, and functioning properly.
• Educate patients and families about exercises and activities to continue outside therapy sessions.
• Meet the stated productivity expectations for outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation and acute care.
• Participate in quality improvement efforts, including journal clubs, in-services, Magnet activities, and chart auditing.
• Participate in care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope, duties, and licensure.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including scheduling and coordinating patient appointments as needed.
• Participate in designated inpatient or outpatient marketing programs.
• Contribute to community health initiatives and educational programs.
• Provide mentorship or support to occupational therapy interns or new staff as needed.

Benefits

• Paid time off programs for eligible FTE levels.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits for eligible FTE levels.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible healthcare and dependent-care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Paid Leave Hours accrued as worked for employees in the stated .001 to .49 FTE range.
• Premium pay such as shift differential and on-call pay.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
• Career development programs and employee well-being programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree