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Safe Patient Handling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patient Transport Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$31.03 - $65.90/hr

Ensure safe patient handling practices, including lifting, turning, transferring, and repositioning * Serve as the department's Safe Patient Handling Champion , promoting compliance and best ...

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Safe Patient Handling information

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$10

$19

$29

How much do safe patient handling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for safe patient handling in the United States is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Safe Patient Handling vs Patient Care Technician?

AspectSafe Patient HandlingPatient Care Technician
CertificationsOften requires OSHA training, ergonomics, and safety certificationsCPR, First Aid, and healthcare-related certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, clinics focusing on patient mobility and safetyHospitals, long-term care facilities providing direct patient care
Job FocusPreventing injuries through proper patient transfer and mobility techniquesAssisting with daily patient activities and basic medical tasks

Safe Patient Handling specialists focus on reducing injury risks during patient transfers, emphasizing safety protocols and ergonomic techniques. Patient Care Technicians provide direct patient support, including mobility assistance, but with broader clinical responsibilities. While both roles operate in healthcare settings, their core functions and certifications differ, making them distinct but complementary roles in patient safety and care.

What are some common challenges faced by Safe Patient Handling professionals and how are they typically addressed?

Safe Patient Handling professionals often encounter challenges such as preventing musculoskeletal injuries, ensuring consistent use of assistive equipment, and promoting staff adherence to safety protocols. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, fostering a culture of safety, and open communication between staff and management. Utilizing lift teams, regular equipment maintenance, and clear documentation also play key roles in overcoming these obstacles and ensuring both patient and worker safety.

What is safe patient handling?

Safe patient handling refers to the use of equipment, techniques, and best practices to safely lift, move, and transfer patients in healthcare settings. The goal is to prevent injuries to both patients and healthcare workers by minimizing manual lifting and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Common tools include mechanical lifts, transfer sheets, and slide boards. Training in safe patient handling is essential for healthcare staff to ensure proper procedures are followed and to promote a safe environment for everyone involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Safe Patient Handling, and why are they important?

To thrive in Safe Patient Handling, you need a solid understanding of body mechanics, patient mobility techniques, and relevant safety protocols, often supported by healthcare experience or certification in safe patient handling. Familiarity with assistive devices such as mechanical lifts, transfer belts, and knowledge of institutional safety systems is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, and situational awareness are vital soft skills for coordinating with colleagues and ensuring patient comfort. These competencies are crucial to prevent injuries, promote patient dignity, and maintain a safe environment for both patients and healthcare staff.
More about Safe Patient Handling jobs
What states have the most Safe Patient Handling jobs? States with the most job openings for Safe Patient Handling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Safe Patient Handling job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Employee Safety and Patient Handling Coordinator

Employee Safety and Patient Handling Coordinator

St. Elizabeth Medical Center

Utica, NY

$35 - $61/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Employee Safety and Patient Handling Coordinator is responsible for the oversight, successful implementation and delivery of employee safety programs including mobility and safe patient handling and other work related injury prevention programs. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ergonomic assessments, training for staff in all areas for Safe Patient Handling Program, use of equipment, collection of work related employee injury data, root cause analysis and injury investigations. Responsible for promoting and communicating best practices and implementing injury prevention measures. Works closely with other departments including Employee Health, Nursing Services, Leave Management and Risk Management and is under the supervision of the Director of Rehabilitation Services.

Core Job Responsibilities
  • Acts as the subject matter expert in safe patient handling and employee safety programs, providing information and support to leaders and front line workers. Works closely with managers, employee health and workers' compensation departments.
  • Designs and develops training curriculum and provides both group and individual training related to employee and safe patient handling.
  • Organizes and executes Safe Patient Handling and Employee Safety programs.
  • Develops and manages policies, procedures and guidelines related to Safe Patient Handling and Employee Safety and Patient Mobility.
  • Develops and monitors performance and quality metrics to track the effectiveness of employee safety and safe patient handling programs.
  • Strives to reduce patient handling injury risk and achieve desired injury reduction outcomes. Utilizes best practices to drive improvement.
  • Investigates employee safety and safe patient handling incidents, performs root cause analysis and makes recommendations on follow up actions.
  • Makes recommendations on new safe patient handling equipment. Ensures that end users are properly trained on patient lift and other handling equipment, and promotes consistent use. Provides monitoring to assure equipment is available at point of care.
  • Oversees the maintenance/repair, availability, and use of rehabilitation and mobility equipment. 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

  • Responsible for functions and program implementation related to patient mobility, including quality care delivery, therapy schedules, supervision of mobility techs, staffing levels, workflow and department resources. Collects and reports on program metrics.  
  • As a working therapist, provides patient care within the guidelines of state and professional agencies Scope of Practice.
  • Coordinates new employee orientation and ongoing training for mobility staff to enhance clinical skills and knowledge. Ensures staff have the necessary resources, tools, and competencies.
  • In partnership with leadership and Human Resources, provides input to or makes recommendations on employee hires, performance reviews, transfers, promotions, disciplinary actions, and terminations etc. Resolves grievances and other staff problems in a fair, timely and consistent manner also in partnership with HR.
  • Performs other duties as required.
Education/Experience Requirements

REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor's Degree required in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and five (5) years of progressively independent experience or Master's Degree in Physical Therapy, or Occupational Therapy with two (2) years progressively independent experience or Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
  • Advanced knowledge within specialty area to provide clinical guidance, training or education to front line staff.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize
  • Ability to influence and develop productive partnerships, and to develop creative, innovative solutions.
  • Must have deep subject matter expertise, executive presence, strong facilitation skills, program design and management abilities.
Licensure/Certification Requirements

REQUIRED:

  • Current NYS Licensure as Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist.
Disclaimer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability.

Successful candidates might be required to undergo a background verification with an external vendor.

Job Details
Req Id  97702 
Department  REHAB ADMIN 
Shift Days
Shift Hours Worked  8.00
FTE 1 
Work Schedule  HRLY NON-UNION-8 HR
Employee Status A1 - Full-Time 
Union Non-Union
Pay Range $35 - $61 per hour

St. Elizabeth Medical Center logo

About St. Elizabeth Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

St. Elizabeth Medical Center is an integral part of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), an affiliation of St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare. Located in Utica, NY, US, the healthcare center has a rich heritage of more than a century of experience in providing quality health care to the community. Positioned in the healthcare industry, the organization provides an array of medical services ranging from general healthcare to specialized treatments. It prides itself on a commitment to care, compassion, and excellence. The hospital's core tenets focus on delivering safe and effective treatments while maintaining a culture of respect, integrity, and accountability.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Utica, NY, US