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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 function, age, length of stay and discharge disposition.
  • Assumes responsibility and accountability for the care of those patients being treated by assistants and students.
  • Continuously reevaluates the patient and modifies or discontinues the plan accordingly.
  • Provides ongoing patient and family education during the episode of care.
  • Terminates service when maximum benefit is achieved.
  • Completes a comprehensive discharge plan based on diagnosis, support, physical and cognitive strengths and limitations, and goal attainment.
  • Makes appropriate and judicious use of doubled, group and/or joint treatment sessions.
  • Maintains productivity level of direct patient care, as outlined by Marianjoy policy.
  • Maintains treatment area, equipment and supply inventory.
  • Schedules and prioritizes workload.
• Instruction & Supervision:
  • Participates in the fieldwork education process by establishing a supportive environment that facilitates the pursuits of learning while supervising therapy students.
  • Delegates appropriate tasks and provides supervision for the assistant and student according to Marianjoy policy and procedures, state licensure laws, and Clinical Standards of Practice.
  • Supervises, mentors and provides education/instruction to facilitate professional growth of other associates, including technicians and para-professional staff.
  • Educates and provides consultation to consumers and the public regarding the roles of the therapist and therapist assistant, as well as prevention and wellness services, including screenings and health promotion.
• Communication:
  • Communicates effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, with team members. patients and care givers at levels appropriate to their age, cognitive status and language abilities.
  • Informs the treatment team of diagnosis, goals, functional levels and potential barriers to discharge in a timely manner.
  • Documents services provided, response to services, changes in status related to the plan of care and education provided in accordance with hospital policy.
  • Instructs patients and families regarding evaluation results, functional level, goals, home programs and equipment use/needs.
• Performance Improvement:
  • Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
  • Participates in committee and/or PI teams.
  • Communicates suggestions related to opportunities for improvement while maintaining positive relations with all customers.
  • Participates in the planning, organization and implementation of therapy services to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
• Professional Development:
  • Identifies personal professional strengths and weaknesses and assumes responsibility for professional growth.
  • Participates in internal and external continuing education opportunities that are specific to clinical program focus and goals.
  • Shares learning with Marianjoy staff.
• Patient Safety:
  • Maintains knowledge of Marianjoy and partners' policies and procedures concerning precautions, codes, conditions, warnings, and general safety.
• Ethical Standards of Practice:
  • Delivers services consistent with the established Marianjoy Mission and Philosophy.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
  • Complies with current Discipline Code of Ethics, and state licensure laws.

AA/EOE.

Required:

• Bachelors Degree in a clinical field (e.g. OT, PT, SLP).
• 5-7 years of experience in field of expertise delivering therapy services in a program and environment similar to Marianjoy.
• Maintenance of a clinical license (e.g. OT, PT, SLP) to practice in the state of Illinois (or licensure application on file with the State Department of Professional Regulation)
• Maintenance of current AHA CPR certification.

Preferred:

• Masters Degree in a relevant field (of equivalent experience and demonstrated ability, e.g. Psychology, MHS, MOT, MPT) or Specialty Certification.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.