Safe Patient Handling & Mobility (SPHM)- Program Assistant

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safe Patient Handling & Mobility (SPHM) Program Assistant supports the Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Program by promoting safe patient handling practices, increasing staff competency with SPHM equipment, and assisting with the implementation of evidence-based mobility initiatives throughout UI Health. Under the direction of the Program Director of Safe Patient Handling & Mobility, the SPHM Program Assistant provides hands-on education and coaching to clinical staff, assists with New Employee Skills Lab, conducts routine rounding and audits to assess compliance with Safe Patient Handling and Mobility practices, and promotes appropriate use of patient handling equipment and mobility aids. The SPHM Program Assistant collects and analyzes rounding data, prepares reports, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and collaborates with nursing, rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary teams to foster a culture of safety while reducing caregiver injuries and improving patient outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience in acute care with ICU experience.
Experience providing staff education, competency validation, or clinical instruction.
Experience with Safe Patient Handling & Mobility programs.
Knowledge of mobility assessment tools such as the Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility (JH-HLM), AM-PAC, or similar mobility measures.
Experience collecting quality improvement or compliance data.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine Safe Patient Handling & Mobility rounding throughout UI Health inpatient and outpatient areas to assess compliance with SPHM policies, evaluate appropriate use of lift equipment and mobility aids, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Provide just-in-time education, coaching, and hands-on training to clinical staff during rounding on proper patient handling techniques, mobility progression, and safe use of SPHM equipment.
Assist with New Employee Orientation (NEO) Skills Lab by demonstrating and reinforcing competency in the safe operation of SPHM equipment, mobility aids, transfer techniques, repositioning devices, and fall prevention strategies.
Assist in coordinating and delivering department-based education, equipment demonstrations, competency validation, and refresher training for nursing and interdisciplinary staff.
Collect, document, analyze, and maintain rounding, compliance, and equipment utilization data; prepare reports and communicate findings to the Program Director to support quality improvement initiatives.
Assist with monitoring equipment availability, functionality, and accessibility; identify equipment concerns and coordinate appropriate follow-up with unit leadership and vendors as needed.
Serve as a resource for nursing, rehabilitation, and other clinical departments regarding patient mobility, transfer techniques, equipment selection, and Safe Patient Handling best practices.
Support hospital initiatives related to employee safety, patient mobility, injury prevention, and regulatory compliance by participating in committee meetings, educational events, program implementation, and special projects.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Program.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.