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?

This position works two 7-hour shifts on Thursdays and Fridays with a weekend commitment of one weekend per quarter. 

The Occupational Therapist License Pending  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.

• An occupational therapist who complies with the Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice as outlined by their professional organization and by the State of Illinois.  The position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees and departmental process improvement.  Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in all aspects of 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 person and resources to do so.  Provides directions to help to patients and customers with finding their way.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments.  Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others. 
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
• Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidence by team feedback and documentation.  (RE cards, thank you notes).
• Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate evaluation in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols.  Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines, adjusting the treatment plan accordingly.  Evidenced by chart review.
• Assumes complete responsibility over the course of occupational therapist patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety and treatment outcome as evidenced by team feedback and documentation. 
• Adheres to department policy regarding evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries.  All notes are legible.
• Completes daily notes that reflect patient’s response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all JCAHO documentation requirements (e.g. allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement).
• Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by chart review, observation and team feedback.
• Participates in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan.
• Works to develop and maintain physician relations through phone communication, shadowing, marketing visits, and rounds/surgery observation. 
• Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for team member input, open and honest conversation, approachability, and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions as evidence by huddles/staff meetings, RE cards, and thank you notes.
• Accepts constructive feedback and is able to make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms/chart audits and team feedback.
• Completes new evaluations and discharge follow up phone calls to support patient satisfaction goals.
• Proactively completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay forms, and follow up phone calls).
• Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g. in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, PI).  Minimal Expectation: in service from continuing education course and/or leading one article review.
• Proactively acts as a clinical instructor to students, observers, interns.  Minimum Expectation: is one student/intern per year.  Score may be based on quality of experience as rated thought student evaluation.
• Maintains both patients/day and billable time unit standards set by department and makes efficient use of non-billable time. 
• Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule to meet patient care needs, staff meetings and department specific meetings outside of normal work hours.

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• BLS from American Heart Association within 30 days of hire
• Provider must be duly licensed to perform occupational therapy ("Occupational Therapy Services" or "Services") in the State of Illinois within 90 days of hire.

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.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer 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. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.