Inpatient Therapy Educator

Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Or

Licensed Physical Therapist (PT) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Or

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Or

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Or

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

And

Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA)

Attend and satisfactorily complete all required continuing education regarding the care of acute stroke patients.

Related field

2+ years

1+ years

Specialized Knowledge and Skills Requirements

Good working knowledge of all aspects of Acute Care and Inpatient Rehab Therapy (PT/OT/SLP).

Demonstrates strong instructional design and facilitation skills to effectively deliver engaging, evidencebased education for PT/OT/SLP learners.

Skilled in coaching staff on effective education delivery and supporting individualized professional development.

Timely follow-up and accountability.

Highly organized with good attention to detail.

Must be extremely flexible with day-to-day workflows with ability to balance multiple tasks/projects while meeting organizational standards.

Highly motivated to collaborate with interdisciplinary team in the areas of patient safety and quality outcomes

Demonstrates strong leadership skills with the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical and administrative staff.

Demonstrates solid time management skills, with ability to appropriately balance educator duties with patient care duties.

Forward thinker with ability to see big picture.

Complete equivalent of 50% direct patient care hours per week, including a weekend patient care rotation.

Act as a liaison between therapy leadership, bedside staff, clinical education teams, and interdisciplinary partners.

Assist supervisor/manager with planning, coordination, and execution of department-wide education initiatives and accreditation preparation (DNV, CARF, etc.).

Participate in committees, work groups, and quality initiatives related to therapy practice, education, and patient outcomes.

Collaborate with leadership and quality to identify educational gaps and opportunities for staff growth and development.

Assists in evaluating current practices and assists leadership team in implementing evidence-based practice changes

Collaborate with various RN unit leaders, QOCs, supervisors, bedside staff, and other healthcare providers to address issues related to patient care and patient care outcomes

Provides real-time accountability, coaching, and education to promote ownership of safe practice.

Assists supervisor/manager in reviewing incoming reports of events and near misses to identify patterns, trends, potential system lessons, as well as determine whether immediate educational follow-up is required with reporting personnel or department.

Develop training materials and supports patient safety educational sessions as necessary

Develop, coordinate, and maintain department wide orientation and onboarding programs for new therapy staff across acute care and inpatient rehabilitation

Ensure completion, tracking, and documentation of annual and ongoing competencies for all therapy disciplines.

Provide support for therapy preceptors and clinical instructors in both acute care and IPR settings

Support education related to career ladder, professional advancement, and departmental development initiatives.

Coordinate with clinical education and program coordinators to ensure applicable education for DNV accreditation requirements.

Ensure all disciplines adhere to PT/OT/SLP Practice Act

Ensures and tracks ongoing competency training for each discipline

Assist in developing downtime procedures

Provide mentorship opportunities for newer, less experienced staff to grow and develop their knowledge and skills.

Assist in developing, maintaining, and monitoring staff competencies and keeping records for annual reviews.

Assist in planning/coordinating department educational presentation/activities, as well as patient education.

Cascade clinical education updates to staff related to policies, workflows, and evidence based practice changes.