Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapist – Full-time Days

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 health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and other life‑long benefits designed to support our employees’ well‑being.

This role will be split between two outpatient clinics in Glen Ellyn and Naperville.

• Demonstrate the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
• Present a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers, addressing questions promptly or identifying appropriate resources.
• Use effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Maintain primary responsibility over patient plans of care through timely collaboration with treating PT/PTA staff.
• Demonstrate teamwork by helping co‑workers within and across departments, communicating effectively, and acknowledging the assistance of others.
• Use organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manage work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contribute to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participate in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, and improve services.
• Demonstrate creative problem‑solving and adaptability when treating special circumstances, evidenced by team feedback and documentation.
• Apply appropriate evaluation and treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols; perform re‑evaluations per guidelines and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Assume complete responsibility over the care of patients from initial contact to discharge, ensuring functional progress, safety, and outcomes, with collaboration with PTA(s).
• Adhere to department policy regarding evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries; document all notes in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Complete daily documentation that reflects patient response, performance, and assessment relative to the treatment plan.
• Provide educational materials and methods appropriate to each patient’s level of understanding and motivation.
• Participate in committees, department processes, and special projects aligned with clinical expertise.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with healthcare team members (e.g., physicians, nurses, case managers).
• Participate in marketing activities per department expectations.
• Create a culture of respectful communication by listening, inviting input, and acknowledging contributions.
• Accept constructive feedback and make timely changes, as evidenced by coaching forms and chart audits.
• Proactively complete non‑patient responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO request, bonus pay forms and follow‑up).
• Contribute to educational efforts such as in‑services, journal clubs, new‑hire orientation, and peer‑instruction.
• Actively participate in student clinical or observation programs as a clinical instructor, mentor, or host.
• Maintain productivity standards per department expectations.
• Demonstrate willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient, staff, and departmental needs, outside normal work hours if necessary.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy.
• Licensed Physical Therapist in the State of Illinois.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association upon hire.

• Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal‑opportunity employer (disability, VETS) 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…