Lead Physical Therapist, Full Time, Days, Marianjoy, Wheaton

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what 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 healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Lead Physical Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. 

The Therapy Lead assumes a primary role about the development and implementation of department-related initiatives, demonstrates team building skills to facilitate team engagement and growth, assists in the orientation of new employees and contributes to the staff competency review process. This position includes direct patient care, mentoring, participation on appropriate committees and departmental process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in all aspects of professional, clinical, communication, education and leadership activities.
• In collaboration with the manager, other healthcare leaders and director (nursing, physician, dietary), is actively involved in the operational aspects of patient care and departmental functioning to support various program and organizational initiatives.
• Ensures all patients are scheduled for and receive the appropriate intensity of services by ongoing monitoring of schedules and billable time unit standards set by department.
• Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule to meet patient care needs, staff meetings and department specific meetings.
• Meets regularly with respective team(s), reporting to leader meeting results.
• Participates in the employee interview process to ensure all candidates meet standards for hire.
• Assists Manager/Director in completing the 90-day orientation and competency process for new employees.
• Provides timely, positive, constructive feedback, and holds staff accountable for change as evidenced by observation and peer feedback.
• Contributes information as part of the performance appraisal process.
• Works with the Manager/Director in addressing performance gaps as they occur with clear action plans and timelines for improvement, evidenced by staff individual achievement.
• Coordinates the scheduling of and staffing of the department based on census, diagnostic mix and intensity of service required to provide customer centered care.
• Independently assumes responsibilities as an operational support person to the leader, which may include approval of vacation schedules, education time, schedule changes, problem-solving with therapists for optimal outcomes.
• Assists with the development of policies and procedures that reflect current operational standards.
• Participates in the planning, development and implementation of department and program related initiatives.
• Assists with identifying and monitoring clinical metrics on an ongoing basis.
• Assists with completion of staff competencies.
• Models exemplary professionalism and team building skills to build partnerships and advance the team in providing patient centered care.
• Fosters a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for input, open discussions and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns as they occur, keeping leader apprised of any issues.
• Assists in employee orientation and onboarding with regards to operations.
• Serves as a resource and mentor.
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

Direct Patient Care:

• Evaluations & Treatment:
  • Assumes responsibility and accountability for a group of patients and provides therapy evaluations, modalities and treatments in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, maintaining the highest degree of quality patient care.
  • Selects, administers and adapts evaluations and treatment interventions according to the appropriate Clinical Standards of Practice to insure achievement of treatment goals and highest functional level.
  • Interprets evaluation and effectively establishes functional, objective and measurable goals in accordance with the patient goals, level of