Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Wadsworth, OH

Legal Entity

Aultman Hospital

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist is responsible for interpreting all referral information, evaluating, adjusting, updating and discharging the treatment of all patients in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code Section 4755 in all settings of care at Aultman.

Department Summary

The Outpatient Therapy Department provides high-quality, patient-centered rehabilitation services to individuals recovering from orthopedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions. Our licensed physical therapists deliver evidence-based care focused on restoring function, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. The department operates within the hospital’s broader continuum of care and collaborates closely with physicians, nursing staff, and other allied health professionals to ensure seamless, coordinated treatment. Services are delivered in compliance with all applicable regulatory standards and organizational policies. Staff are expected to uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization while maintaining a strong commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a CAPTE accredited Physical Therapy program.

• PT license from State of Ohio OT, PT, and AT Board- active and in good standing.

• Obtain and maintain current American Heart Association (AHA) training in Basic Life Support(BLS) utilizing Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI).

• Physical therapists within the department who have completed the required credentialing process may serve as direct access providers, allowing patients to receive evaluation and treatment without a physician referral. This designation reflects advanced clinical training and ongoing compliance with Aultman Hospital based eligibility requirements, supporting timely, patient-centered care and improved access to therapy services. 

Department Qualifications

• Willingness to build professional skills to support the niche services provided by the department as they arise such as aquatic therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion management, pelvic floor therapy, lymphedema therapy, spine care utilizing manual therapy and the McKenzie Method, temporomandibular joint (TMD) therapy, neurological rehabilitation care, and specialized programs for osteoporosis, oncology rehabilitation, Integrated Dry Needling, and amputee care.

Skills

• Completes thorough physical therapy evaluations and examinations, establishing treatment plans and goals in accordance with the Ohio State practice act and APTA professional standards.

• Applies evidence-based practices and sound clinical reasoning in all aspects of physical therapy care, while fostering innovation and contributing to a positive, solutions-focused work environment.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, verbal/written communication, and organizational problem-solving skills to support collaboration with patients, families, PTAs, and interdisciplinary team members.

• Adapts care approaches to meet the developmental, functional, and cultural needs of patients across the lifespan and diverse backgrounds.

• Skilled in delivering manual therapy techniques and prescribing individualized exercise programs with appropriate dosing, aligned with plan of care guidelines and tailored to each patient’s clinical presentation and goals.

• Leads the therapy team by guiding and supervising Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), ensuring coordinated care delivery and adherence to treatment plans.

• Actively works toward functioning as a Direct Access Provider, demonstrating autonomy in clinical decision-making, differential diagnosis, and appropriate referral when indicated.

• Complies with all hospital policies, safety protocols, infection control standards, and HIPAA regulations to ensure safe and ethical practice.

• Participates in ongoing professional development, competency assessments, and quality improvement initiatives to maintain clinical excellence.

• Demonstrates adaptability and fosters a collaborative team environment by responding effectively to both planned and unplanned changes in daily workflow, which may occur multiple times per day.

• Proactively supports colleagues by offering assistance, adjusting to schedule modifications, and managing fluctuating patient volumes to maintain consistent, high-quality care.

• Proficient in the use of electronic health record systems (e.g., Cerner) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Teams, Outlook) to support documentation, communication, and coordination of care.

• Supports professional growth by mentoring other Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants, sharing clinical expertise, and fostering a collaborative learning environment that enhances team competency and patient outcomes.

• Serves as a Clinical Instructor for physical therapy students when needed, providing mentorship, supervision, and structured learning experiences that support professional development and clinical competency.

• Facilitates observation opportunities for other healthcare professionals, including physicians and students, to promote interdisciplinary understanding and education.

• Technology Adaptability: Willingness and ability to learn new software tools and updates as required by hospital systems and therapy department workflows.

• Adaptability to build skills to support niche services when needed.

Department Skills

• Credentialed direct access providers are expected to demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, autonomy, and accountability, meeting elevated standards of care.

• Coordinates care with a wide range of healthcare professionals within the Tusc facility—including other Physical Therapists across specialties and diagnoses, Occupational Therapists, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), Speech-Language Pathologists, and Lymphedema Therapists—to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered treatment for individuals who may receive services from multiple disciplines during their care.

• Demonstrate effective and adaptable communication strategies to support seamless coordination within a large, dynamic facility, utilizing both formal and informal channels—including real-time verbal interactions and electronic platforms such as Microsoft Teams, email, and other tools—to ensure timely information exchange among an average of 30 team members per pay period.

• Exhibit cultural sensitivity and adaptability in communication and care delivery, effectively engaging with diverse patient populations ranging from inner-city communities to individuals from affluent backgrounds, while respecting unique values, expectations, and subcultural norms.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Maintains ongoing clinical competency by completing a minimum of 24 contact hours of approved continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, as required by the Ohio OT, PT, and AT Board.

• Completes the Ohio Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) during each renewal period, which fulfills the mandatory ethics requirement and supports understanding of current legal and professional standards.

• Selects continuing education activities that are evidence-based and directly relevant to clinical practice, patient care, and departmental goals to promote individual creativity, innovation, and excellence.

• Applies knowledge gained through continuing education to enhance evaluation/examination skills, treatment planning/skills, patient outcomes, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based practice by actively seeking current literature, integrating the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into treatment planning and decision-making.

• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure care aligns with the most up-to-date clinical standards, continuously striving to improve patient outcomes.

• Conducts thorough patient evaluations, examinations, and treatment procedures.

• Develops patient plans of care and ensures adherence through effective delegation where appropriate.

• Provides direct patient care consistent with industry standards and consults with other specialists as needed.

• Ensures optimal patient functional outcome by adjusting care plan over the episode of care.

• Proactively communicates significant concerns, challenges, requests, and developments to the charge therapist, assistant manager, and/or director to support timely decision-making, maintain continuity of care and operations, and foster a culture of integrity, openness, and fairness in all interactions.

• Consistently communicates with all patients, families, customers and other personnel in a professional, respectful and courteous manner using professional judgment, empathy, compassion and caring through effective communication skills.

• Engages in informal peer feedback and cross-monitoring by observing co-worker performance, speaking up for safety, and offering constructive input as needed to support a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Assists with the quality improvement program by reviewing, recommending or implementing quality improvement processes as needed or as directed.

• Assists with compliance of facility operations with federal, state and local rules and regulations.

• Orients new personnel to charts, forms and documentation requirements.

• Consistently and thoroughly documents patient care in a timely fashion according to organizational and regulatory guidelines.

• Demonstrates schedule flexibility in meeting the needs of the program and responds positively to changes in workflow, which may occur unexpectedly and multiple times throughout the day, by maintaining situational awareness and adapting communication and priorities accordingly.

• Promotes teamwork by demonstrating a willingness to assist others in meeting the needs of all individuals, collaborating effectively with the interdisciplinary team and other departments both within and beyond their designated work location to support coordinated, patient-centered care.

• Creates and fosters a work environment that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Aultman Health Foundation.

• Develops and adjusts flexible plans of care that support a gradual reduction in therapy services when appropriate, promoting continuity, independence, and long-term functional success.

• Ensures each patient’s transition is personalized and safe, with appropriate follow-up and resources to support recovery beyond the clinical setting.

• Demonstrates integrity, openness, and fairness in all interactions, upholding the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.

• Promotes teamwork and collaboration, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive, solution-focused work environment.

• Embraces innovation and creativity, seeking opportunities to improve processes through strong organizational and problem-solving skills while stimulating new ideas, enhancing patient care, and supporting departmental goals.

• Exhibits compassion and empathy in every patient and team interaction, fostering trust and emotional support throughout the care experience.

• Demonstrates emotional resilience, adaptability, and teamwork to maintain a safe, supportive, and professional environment for both patients and colleagues.

Department Responsibilities & Expectations

• Greets patients, visitors, and colleagues promptly with a warm smile, friendly introduction, and, when possible, by name—creating a welcoming and respectful environment.

• Anticipates needs and exceeds expectations by asking, “Is there anything else I or a fellow colleague can do for you?”—demonstrating a proactive approach to service and support.

• Provides a caring, timely, and compassionate discharge experience, consistently expressing gratitude with, “Thank you for allowing us to care for you.”

• Engages in both formal and informal communication using planned and impromptu huddles, direct conversations, Microsoft Teams, email, and other tools to ensure timely information sharing and team alignment.

• Demonstrates a collaborative mindset by proactively offering assistance to colleagues during downtime, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes optimal patient care and efficient workflow.

• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to prepare patients for discharge through education, support, and clear communication, often initiating the process several visits in advance to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

Working Conditions

• Hours of operation with shifts as assigned including occasional overtime, on-call or off-shifts (evenings and/or weekends) scheduled as necessary.

• Lunch and break periods must be coordinated with other staff members to maintain adequate staffing during facility hours of operation.

• May be required to travel in inclement weather.

• Subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priority of duties throughout the day.

• Subject to emergency and other crisis situations.

• Treats individuals with significant chronic issues such as pain, dizziness, weakness, and spasticity -requiring careful handling, empathy, and advanced clinical reasoning.

• Adapts to fluctuating daily and weekly patient volumes, including same-day appointments that may require real-time schedule adjustments.

• Demonstrates flexibility with work hours, which may include flexed or shortened lunches, arriving early, staying late, or adjusting start/end times to meet patient care needs.

• Responds to occasional weekend treatment requests, maintaining a patient-centered approach while balancing departmental coverage and staff well-being.

• May be asked to provide care in specialty service areas including, but not limited to areas such as: vestibular rehab...