Outpatient Physical Therapist Float Locations-Full-time

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care within the Northwestern Medicine system. Rehabilitation Services is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team providing world-class care at 10 hospitals and more than 200 locations in Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Illinois. Together with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, we push boundaries in innovative care delivery, train the next generation of rehabilitation specialists, and pursue excellence in patient care.

About the role

The Physical Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards. This position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees, and departmental process improvement. The role serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in professional, clinical, communication, education, and leadership activities.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers; addresses questions and concerns promptly or identifies appropriate resources.
• Provides directions to help patients and customers navigate facilities.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns.
• Maintains primary responsibility over patient plan of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating PT/PTAs.
• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments; communicates effectively, respects diverse opinions, and acknowledges contributions.
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently; manages work schedule to complete tasks on time.
• Contributes to continuous improvement, cost reduction, process streamlining, and service growth.
• Demonstrates creative problem-solving when adapting treatments to special circumstances.
• Performs evaluations, selects appropriate treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols; performs re-evaluations per department guidelines and adjusts treatment plans accordingly.
• Assumes complete responsibility for patient management from initial contact to discharge, ensuring functional progress, safety, and treatment outcomes.
• Adheres to department policy for evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries; documents all notes in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Completes daily notes reflecting patient response to treatment, actual performance, and status relevant to the treatment plan and discharge needs.
• Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding and motivation.
• Participates in committees, department processes, and special projects aligned with clinical expertise and individual performance plans.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with healthcare team members (e.g., physicians, nurses, case managers).
• Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations.
• Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, seeking input, engaging in open conversation, and acknowledging contributions.
• Accepts constructive feedback and makes timely changes as evidenced by coaching forms, chart audits, and team feedback.
• Completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (e.g., coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay forms).
• Contributes to educational efforts (e.g., in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, process improvement).
• Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host.
• Maintains productivity standards per department expectations.
• Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient care needs, staff meetings, and department-specific meetings outside normal work hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy (Required).
• Licensed Physical Therapist in the State of Illinois (Required).
• BLS certification from the American Heart Association upon hire (Required).
• Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy (Preferred).

Benefits

Northwestern Medicine offers a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Benefits include tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and lifecycle benefits. Visit the Benefits section to learn more.