Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist (PT) – Clinical

Location: Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Day Shift
Industry: Healthcare / Rehabilitation

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Physical Therapist (PT) to provide comprehensive physical therapy services to patients across a diverse range of age groups, including children and adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.

The Physical Therapist will perform patient evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, provide hands-on therapy, monitor patient progress, and collaborate with physicians, nurses, Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective patient care.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a patient-centered approach to care.

Key ResponsibilitiesPatient Evaluation & Assessment

• Interpret physician referrals and identify precautions and contraindications associated with commonly referred diagnoses.

• Review patient charts and obtain relevant medical, surgical, social, and functional history before conducting initial evaluations.

• Consult with physicians, nurses, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals when additional information or clarification is required.

• Perform appropriate physical therapy evaluation procedures based on patient diagnosis and clinical needs.

• Assess patients' physical, functional, mental, emotional, and cognitive status as appropriate.

• Obtain subjective information regarding diagnosis, symptoms, functional limitations, previous treatment, and social history.

• Establish and document measurable short-term and long-term treatment goals based on evaluation findings.

• Identify and document precautions, special problems, contraindications, anticipated progress, and plans for re-evaluation.

• Re-evaluate patients and modify treatment plans and goals when clinically appropriate.

• Complete Physical Therapist evaluations before delegating appropriate treatment activities to Physical Therapist Assistants.

Treatment Planning & Patient Care

• Develop and implement individualized physical therapy treatment programs based on patient diagnosis, functional limitations, and goals.

• Review current patient information before each treatment session and modify treatment plans as necessary.

• Utilize subjective and objective evaluation findings to guide treatment decisions.

• Provide appropriate therapeutic exercise, mobilization, and functional training.

• Utilize appropriate therapeutic modalities, including heat, cold, light, water, sound, and electrical modalities, as clinically indicated.

• Evaluate patient response to treatment and modify goals, interventions, and plans of care as appropriate.

• Recognize abnormal physiological or psychological changes and communicate concerns to appropriate healthcare personnel.

• Provide hands-on, one-on-one patient treatment while maintaining patient safety.

• Recommend appropriate durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices to support patient function and safety.

• Provide physical therapy recommendations related to patient discharge and continued care.

Patient & Family Education

• Educate patients, families, and healthcare providers regarding physical therapy programs and patient participation.

• Involve patients and families in treatment planning and discharge planning as appropriate.

• Explain therapy interventions and treatment rationale clearly to patients and caregivers.

• Answer patient and family questions and provide appropriate guidance regarding home programs and continued care.

• Participate in patient and community education programs related to physical therapy and wellness.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, PTAs, and other rehabilitation and healthcare professionals.

• Participate in patient care conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings, clinics, and rounds.

• Communicate patient status clearly and concisely to the appropriate healthcare team members.

• Serve as a clinical resource to Physical Therapist Assistants and other rehabilitation staff.

• Appropriately delegate responsibilities to PTAs and support personnel in accordance with applicable regulations and department policies.

Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete timely and accurate electronic medical record (EMR) documentation.

• Maintain documentation including initial evaluations, progress notes, home exercise programs, discharge summaries, charges, statistical reports, and interdisciplinary forms.

• Ensure documentation meets departmental, regulatory, and insurance requirements.

• Maintain accurate department records in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Complete variance reports and other administrative documentation as required.

• Maintain knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.

• Organize patient schedules and manage assigned patient caseload effectively.

• Maintain productivity and patient-care standards established by the department.

Quality & Performance Improvement

• Participate in reviews of clinical procedures, protocols, and documentation forms.

• Make recommendations for improvements in clinical processes and patient care.

• Complete required clinical competencies.

• Participate in quality and performance improvement initiatives.

• Contribute to departmental initiatives designed to improve patient safety, care quality, and operational effectiveness.

Equipment & Safety

• Ensure physical therapy equipment is safe and functioning properly before use.

• Report defective equipment and initiate work orders when necessary.

• Use healthcare equipment and supplies appropriately and cost-effectively.

• Maintain a clean and organized treatment environment.

• Follow infection-control, emergency, and patient-safety procedures.

• Maintain HIPAA compliance and protect confidential patient information.

Professional Development

• Identify individual learning and professional development needs.

• Participate in required orientation, training, and departmental educational programs.

• Complete required continuing education and maintain professional competencies.

• Stay current with developments and evidence-based practices in physical therapy.

• Participate in professional education and community outreach programs.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program .

• Current Physical Therapist license in the State of Illinois or eligibility for Illinois licensure as required by state practice guidelines.

• Current CPR/BLS certification according to applicable requirements.

• Strong clinical assessment and treatment-planning skills.

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

• Strong documentation and EMR skills.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to work effectively with physicians, nurses, PTAs, patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

• Strong commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and quality care.

• Ability to work effectively with patients across pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in an acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient, inpatient, or hospital-based setting.

• Experience working with Physical Therapist Assistants.

• Experience with interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams.

• Experience providing patient and community education.

• Knowledge of therapeutic exercise, mobilization, and physical therapy modalities.

• Strong understanding of HIPAA, infection control, and patient safety requirements.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be:

• Compassionate, empathetic, and respectful.

• Patient-focused and committed to high-quality care.

• Detail-oriented and conscientious.

• Reliable with strong attendance and time-management skills.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and occasionally stressful healthcare environment.

• Able to demonstrate patience, tact, stamina, and endurance.

• Flexible and willing to support departmental scheduling and operational needs.

• Professional in communication and appearance.

• Open to feedback, continuous learning, and professional development.

• Comfortable working with a diverse patient population.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Time – effective 90 days after employment.

• Paid Vacation Time – effective 90 days after employment.

• Health, Vision & Dental Benefits – eligible after 30 days of employment, following the first of the following month.

• Short- and Long-Term Disability.

• Basic Life Insurance.

Additional Requirement

COVID-19 vaccination may be required as a condition of employment, subject to applicable accommodations for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We value workplace diversity.