Physical Therapist Assistant-Outpatient

Insight Health Systems; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 39,950 - 44,083; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Chicago is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant for an outpatient role. This position involves assisting licensed therapists in patient assessments and treatment, educating patients and families, and maintaining documentation standards. Ideal candidates have graduated from an accredited PT Assistant program and hold or are eligible for an Illinois license. A patient-first approach and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to work under supervision and follow treatment plans.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of PT procedures and modalities.
• Effective communication with patients, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist supervising PT with patient assessments.
• Provide physical therapy treatments and document progress.
• Educate patients and families on therapy importance.

Skills

Patient assessment

Communication skills

Knowledge of physical therapy techniques

Education

Graduation from an accredited 2-year Physical Therapist Assistant program

Active Illinois license or eligibility to apply

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Physical Therapy Assistant-Outpatient role at Insight Health Systems.

Base pay range: $29.00/hr - $32.00/hr.

Position summary

Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Rehab Services and the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Therapy. Provides physical therapy treatments to patients under the clinical supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Provides education to hospital personnel and the community on physical therapy issues. Duties are performed in accordance with the mission of Insight Hospital and Medical Center: delivering high quality care, patient satisfaction, and compassion.

Clinical Duties

• Assists supervising physical therapist in overall assessment of the patient.
• Performs but does not interpret selected measurement procedures (e.g., joint range of motion, gross strength, length and girth of body parts).
• Assesses general mental, emotional, and cognitive status in frequently referred diagnoses.
• Obtains general subjective information to assist in evaluation.

• Assists in the provision of patient treatment.
• Initiates treatment after initial evaluation by supervising PT; alters treatment only with supervising PT approval.
• Uses results supplied by supervising PT to guide treatment; reviews chart, modifies treatment as needed, and seeks guidance when plan of care requires changes.
• Assesses patient response to treatment and reports unusual responses; documents incidences with assistance.
• Instructs patient, nursing, and family on the importance of participation in PT; involves patient and family in treatment and discharge planning as appropriate.
• Recommends durable medical equipment or other devices to promote function and safety; seeks guidance from supervising PT for equipment selection and cost effectiveness.
• Uses modalities (e.g., heat, cold, light, water, sound, electricity) and exercises for strengthening and range of motion; presents rationale for procedure selection.
• Participates in patient care conferences, clinics, and rounds; provides verbal/written reports as requested; incorporates safety and infection control into treatment.
• Charts and authenticates progress notes and treatment summaries in a timely manner.

Administrative and Organizational Duties

• Maintains knowledge of policies and procedures.
• Organizes own schedule with a patient-first philosophy; coordinates with peers and requests assistance as needed.
• Maintains a patient load that reflects unit productivity; demonstrates appropriate written communication.
• Responsible for written documentation including progress notes, home programs, discharge summaries, reporting, charges, and interdisciplinary forms; documentation is legible, inclusive, concise, accurate, and grammatically correct.
• Maintains department records per policies and procedures; informs supervisor if paperwork falls behind; documentation meets department, regulatory, and insurance standards.
• With assistance, completes variance reports.

• Participates in performance improvement: reviews current clinical procedures, protocols, and forms; uses department procedures; completes clinical competencies; may participate in a quality improvement team.

• Participates in departmental administration: attends unit and departmental meetings; may recommend new equipment with justification; delegates responsibilities; informs supervisor of significant developments (e.g., patient or equipment issues, incidents).

Educational Responsibilities

• Identifies learning needs and pursues educational experiences; attends hospital orientation and departmental in-services; meets documentation standards for attendance.
• Completes at least 10 hours of continuing education per year; stays current on PT issues; maintains CPR certification per department policy; may participate in one patient or community educational program.

Professional Behavior

• Demonstrates appropriate verbal communication; establishes rapport with patients and families; explains therapy interventions; communicates clearly and timely; maintains professional distance and HIPAA compliance.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

• Walks in hospital/clinic during 8-hour shift; lifts and moves patients and equipment; may sit at a desk for portions of shift; requires manual dexterity for equipment.

Education and Job Knowledge

• Graduation from an accredited 2-year Physical Therapist Assistant program; active Illinois license or eligibility to apply.

Experience

• Will consider recent graduates who meet eligibility requirements.

These duties are to be performed in a confidential manner consistent with Insight Hospital and Medical Center values. All employees are expected to provide high quality care, service, and kindness toward patients, staff, physicians, volunteers, and guests.

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.