Jobs › Mercyhealth

Physical Therapist - Pediatric Outpatient

Mercyhealth · Freeport, IL · $80,717–$121,075 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you work with a child's school, doctors or other therapists?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate care across the child's whole team.

Tell me about a child you worked with who made great progress. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can describe their clinical reasoning and results.

How do you keep your pediatric skills current?

What they are checking: Whether they keep learning in a specialized area.

What would you do

How do you keep a young child engaged in therapy when they would rather play?

What they are checking: Whether they can use play as therapy to reach goals.

A parent has very high hopes that you think are not realistic. How do you talk with them?

What they are checking: Whether they can be honest and kind while keeping the family engaged.

This is a 24-hour-per-week role. How would you manage your schedule and documentation?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay on top of notes in a part-time schedule.

About the work

What pediatric experience do you have, and which diagnoses are you most comfortable treating?

What they are checking: Whether their background fits an outpatient pediatric caseload.

Walk me through how you evaluate a toddler who is late to walk.

What they are checking: Whether they know developmental milestones and standardized pediatric tests.

How do you involve parents in therapy and home programs?

What they are checking: Whether they see parents as partners and teach them well.

How do you write goals that are meaningful for a child and meet insurance needs?

What they are checking: Whether they write functional, measurable goals.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

Overview: The Physical Therapist is responsible for the evaluation, planning and implementation of a treatment plan addressing the functional needs of a variety of patient diagnoses. Schedule: 24 hours per week Shift: Most patient care needs are on days between 7am - 6pm ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Integrates subjective and objective data to establish a treatment plan. • Utilizes exercise, physical agents, and manual techniques to address deficits. • Maintains a thorough record of services provided with appropriate coding and billing. • Communicates with other disciplines and referring providers to enhance outcomes. • Performs thorough and timely electronic documentation • Strengths in care delivery as evidenced by peer review feedback; consistently demonstrates advanced evaluation and treatment techniques • Participates actively in the PI and CQI process • Assists in the orientation, training and mentoring of new partners • Participates in cost saving initiatives within the department • Takes an active role in the performance improvement process • Maintain a high standard of patient care and provide effective communication between physical therapists, assistants and the physician group • Plans and conducts lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students and community groups. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate of an accredited school of Physical Therapy CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Licensed as a physical therapist in WI, IL or both if required CPR/BLS required within 90 days of hire LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Some independent judgement is required, based upon scope of practice and within professional standards. PAY RANGE: $80,716.59 - $121,074.89 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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