Outpatient Occupational Therapist – Hand Therapist – OT

Outpatient Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapy - OT

POSITION TYPE: Occupational Therapist

SPECIALTY UNIT: Outpatient - Hand Therapy

LOCATION: Elk Grove, CA

SHIFT: Days

JOB TYPE: Full-Time Permanent

As an Occupational Therapy Hand Therapist, your primary role is to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals who have conditions affecting their hands, wrists, and upper extremities. You will work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that aim to restore or improve their functional abilities and enhance their overall quality of life.

Job Description

1. Assessment and Evaluation: Conduct thorough evaluations of patients with hand and upper extremity conditions, including assessing their range of motion, strength, sensation, coordination, and functional abilities. Utilize standardized assessment tools and clinical reasoning to identify impairments, functional limitations, and participation restrictions. Analyze and interpret assessment results to formulate an accurate diagnosis and develop appropriate treatment plans.
2. Treatment Planning and Implementation: Collaborate with patients to set functional goals and establish treatment plans that align with their individual needs and abilities. Design and implement evidence-based interventions to address hand and upper extremity impairments, such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, sensory re-education, and pain management strategies. Provide education and training to patients and their families regarding self-care techniques, home exercise programs, adaptive equipment, and ergonomic modifications.
3. Rehabilitation and Intervention: Conduct regular therapy sessions to improve hand and upper extremity function, restore range of motion, enhance strength and coordination, and reduce pain. Utilize specialized techniques and modalities, such as splinting, wound care, scar management, and edema control, to facilitate tissue healing and optimize functional outcomes. Monitor and adjust treatment plans based on patient progress, reassessing their functional abilities at regular intervals.
4. Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, and other therapists, to provide comprehensive care and ensure coordinated treatment approaches. Maintain clear and effective communication with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to discuss progress, address concerns, and provide appropriate recommendations. Document and maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
5. Professional Development and Research: Stay abreast of the latest research, evidence-based practices, and advancements in hand therapy through continuous learning and professional development activities. Engage in clinical research, contribute to scholarly publications, and participate in conferences or seminars to further advance the field of hand therapy.

Qualifications:

1. Education and Certification: Bachelor's or Master's Degree: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy is required.
2. Licensure: Valid license to practice Occupational Therapy in the state of CA.
3. Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) preferred.
4. Hand Therapy Experience preferred.
5. Knowledge of Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions.
6. Proficiency in a range of hand therapy treatment techniques and modalities, such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, edema control, scar management, sensory re-education, splinting, and wound care specific to the hand and upper extremity.
7. Strong assessment skills to evaluate hand and upper extremity function, range of motion, strength, sensation, coordination, and functional abilities using standardized assessment tools.
8. Orthotic Fabrication: Possess skills in fabricating and fitting custom orthoses (splints) for hand and upper extremity conditions, as appropriate for patient needs.
9. Empathy and Patient-Centered approach.
10. Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with physicians, surgeons, nurses, and other therapists to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.
11. Communication: Possess excellent communication skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. You should be able to explain treatment plans, provide education, and address any concerns or questions.
12. Professional Development & Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest advancements, research, and evidence-based practices in hand therapy by participating in relevant continuing education courses, workshops, conferences, and seminars.

Job Benefits:

1. Competitive compensation
2. Comprehensive onboarding and mentorship
3. Opportunities for advancement and growth
4. Medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401K 
5. Paid time off for full-time staff