PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Insight Health Systems; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick Time

Paid Vacation Time

Health, vision & dental benefits

Short- and long-term disability

Basic life insurance

Job summary

Insight Health Systems is seeking a Physical Therapist in Chicago to deliver comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Your responsibilities will include performing evaluations, developing treatment plans, and managing patient education. Must have a degree in Physical Therapy and excellent communication skills. Insight values diversity and offers health benefits, paid leave, and a supportive work environment. Join us in making a positive impact in our community.

Qualifications

• Must be knowledgeable in physical therapy practices and standards.
• Strong communication skills with patients and staff are essential.
• Experience with electronic documentation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform evaluations and develop treatment plans based on assessments.
• Educate patients and families about therapy goals and expectations.
• Document all patient interactions and treatment plans accurately.

Skills

Physical therapy evaluations

Patient communication

Administration and documentation

Clinical knowledge

Therapeutic exercises

Education

Degree in Physical Therapy

Job description

Position Summary

Under the administrative direction of Rehab Services and Occupational Medicine, and the direct supervision of the Physical Therapy Supervisor, the Physical Therapist provides care appropriate to the age of children and adolescents (8-18 years); adults (19-60 years); geriatric adults (61 years to the end of life). The Physical Therapist also provides community education on physical therapy topics and educational information to hospital personnel. The Physical Therapist works with Physical Therapy Assistants and other qualified department staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform physical therapy evaluations.
• Interpret physician’s referrals, identify precautions and contraindications, and counsel staff on treatment philosophies.
• Act as a resource to physicians in recommending appropriate physical therapy interventions.
• Provide resource material to medical personnel and PT staff as needed.
• Obtain all pertinent information from the patient or chart before initial evaluation.
• Consult with physician, nurse, or supervisor for clarification.
• Choose and apply appropriate evaluation procedures for each unit.
• Demonstrate competency and accuracy in performing basic evaluation procedures for frequently referred diagnoses.
• Assess general mental, emotional, and cognitive status for frequently referred cases.
• Obtain current subjective information from the patient, including understanding of diagnosis, chief symptoms/complaints, status before diagnosis, functional limitations, previous treatment, and social history.
• Independently set and document measurable short‑term and long‑term goals for all diagnoses.
• Complete Physical Therapist evaluations and delegate to Physical Therapy Assistants when appropriate.
• Identify and document precautions, special problems, contraindications, goals, anticipated progress, and re‑evaluation plans.
• Re‑evaluate and modify plan of care and goals when necessary.

Patient Treatment Implementation

• Review chart or obtain current information before each treatment session and adjust treatment if needed.
• Seek guidance from appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Incorporate evaluation results into a treatment program tailored to diagnosis or disability.
• Progress treatment promptly for frequently referred diagnoses.
• Act as a resource for Physical Therapy Assistants.
• Evaluate patient response to treatment and revise goals and plan accordingly.
• Recognize abnormal physiological and psychological changes and report as appropriate.
• Instruct patient, health care provider, and family regarding participation in the physical therapy program.
• Involve patients and families in treatment planning and discharge as appropriate.
• Include physical therapy recommendations for discharge.
• Recommend durable medical equipment or other therapeutic devices to promote optimal functioning and safety.
• Utilize modalities such as heat, cold, light, water, sound, and electricity.
• Utilize therapeutic exercise, mobilization, and exercise equipment.
• Present rationale for selection of procedures.
• Participate in patient care conferences, team conferences, clinics, and rounds to coordinate care plans.
• Make concise verbal reports regarding patient status when requested.
• Incorporate safety, infection control, and emergency procedures into treatment. Use universal fluid precautions at all times.

Administrative and Organizational Duties

• Have thorough knowledge of policies and procedures and refer to the Policy & Procedure Manual as needed.
• Organize schedule reflecting a “Patients 1st” philosophy with occasional guidance.
• Rearrange schedule and coordinate with peers when necessary.
• Carry a patient load that meets the productivity standard of the unit.
• Demonstrate appropriate written communication, including electronic documentation (initial evaluations, progress notes, home programs, discharge summaries, statistical reporting, charges, interdisciplinary forms).
• Maintain timely and accurate department records according to policies.
• Inform supervisor if paperwork is delayed.
• Ensure documentation meets departmental, regulatory, and insurance standards.
• Complete variance reports with assistance when required.

Performance Improvement Participation

• Participate in reviewing current clinical procedures, protocols, and forms.
• Make recommendations for change.
• Complete clinical competencies as determined by the unit.
• May serve on a quality improvement team.

Departmental Administration

• Attend unit and departmental meetings unless formally excused; report to meetings punctually.
• Recommend new equipment needs with supporting data and literature.
• Appropriately delegate responsibilities to support personnel and Physical Therapy Assistants.

Important Alerts

• Report unusual patient or physician problems, equipment incidents, or injuries.
• Serve as a department representative on patient care teams as requested.
• Check equipment for working condition and safety compliance before use.
• Report defective equipment to supervisor promptly and initiate work orders.
• Use hospital equipment and supplies cost‑effectively and respectfully.
• Maintain a clean work environment.

Educational Responsibilities

• Identify personal learning needs and seek educational experiences to meet them.
• Attend hospital orientation.
• Attend 65% of departmental services offered.
• Meet documentation standards for in‑services and continuing education, including fire, safety, and infection control.
• Document attendance on the professional education record.
• Attend at least 20 hours of continuing education per year.
• Stay current on Physical Therapy issues (read journals, research clinical questions, attend APTA functions).
• Maintain current CPR certification per department policy.
• Participate in at least one patient or community education program (e.g., scoliosis screening, back school, career days, job fairs, PT week, arthritis program, outpatient pulmonary rehab, clinical partner, collegiate nurses, transportation tech training).

Communication Skills

• Establish rapport with patients and families; explain therapy interventions and answer questions.
• Provide clear, concise, and timely information.
• Recognize non‑verbal communication effects and adjust posture, facial expressions, and mannerisms accordingly.
• Manage own emotional responses to difficult patient behavior.
• Maintain professional distance while demonstrating compassion and respect.
• Adhere to HIPAA compliance and refrain from discussing patient confidentiality outside a private area.
• Demonstrate openness to alternative viewpoints or approaches.
• Identify possible conflicts and work toward positive outcomes.

Written Communication

• Ensure written communication is legible, concise, accurate, and at the appropriate level for the reader.
• Maintain timely and accurate department records.
• Inform supervisor immediately if paperwork is behind.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow directions from supervisor or director and seek clarification when appropriate.
• Show disposition, temperament, and reactions consistent with patient welfare as priority.
• Support hospital, department, and co‑workers verbally.
• Show willingness to meet departmental rotational needs; adjust schedule when necessary.
• Participate in problem‑solving initiatives.
• Anticipate co‑worker needs and take initiative.
• Adhere to attendance and absenteeism policies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Time – effective 90 days after employment.
• Paid Vacation Time – effective 90 days after employment.
• Health, vision & dental benefits – eligible 30 days after the first of the following month.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability and basic life insurance – after 30 days of employment.

Insight Employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID‑19 as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

Insight is an equal opportunity employer and values workplace diversity.