Certified Hand Therapist - Full Time - Days

Mohawk Valley Health System; Town of Union (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic healthcare team as a Certified Hand Therapist, where you will play a pivotal role in enhancing patients' recovery from complex upper extremity conditions. This full-time position offers the chance to work closely with hand surgeons and rehabilitation specialists, developing and implementing tailored treatment plans that maximize functional outcomes. You will be responsible for evaluating patients, providing therapeutic interventions, and supervising therapy staff. This role not only allows you to make a significant impact on patients' lives but also fosters your professional growth in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment dedicated to excellence in patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physical or Occupational Therapy required.
• 2-3 years of clinical experience in therapy settings.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide therapy for upper extremity conditions and post-operative care.
• Supervise therapy assistants and maintain accurate medical records.

Skills

Therapeutic exercise

Manual therapy techniques

Patient assessment

Rehabilitation equipment

Custom orthoses fabrication

Patient education

Education

Bachelor Degree in Physical Therapy

Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy

Tools

Therapeutic modalities

Rehabilitation equipment

Job description

Certified Hand Therapist - Full Time - Days

The Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) with a specialty certification in the evaluation and treatment of complex upper extremity conditions. The CHT will work directly with hand surgeon(s) and the rehabilitation team to support, develop, and implement pre- and post- surgical protocols for hand rehabilitation services. Delivers quality therapy services to patients by performing evaluations and developing individual treatment plans and goals to maximize functional outcomes. Implements the treatment program, reassesses treatment results, and actively participates in discharge planning.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Evaluates/assesses patients in a systematic and thorough manner; establishes appropriate treatment plans and goals within specified time frames; administers appropriate treatments to patients; demonstrates knowledge and skill in the use of therapeutic exercise and activities, manual techniques, transfers, activities of daily living, modalities, and rehabilitation equipment.
• Evaluates and provides treatment for conditions including tendon injuries, peripheral nerve injuries, crush injuries, repetitive motion disorders, lacerations, arthritis, joint replacement, and digit reattachments.
• Provides services including post-operative management of upper extremities, fabrication of custom orthoses of the upper extremities, joint mobilization, instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques, manual therapy, taping techniques, wound and scar management, edema management, work simulation, range of motion, strengthening, and arthritis management.
• Fabricates and chooses appropriate splints and other adaptive equipment.
• Maintains standards of professional and ethical practice following the guidelines of NY State for Physical/Occupational Therapy.
• Delivers services within the framework of an interdisciplinary team approach, including the patient and significant others.
• Instructs and supervises patient care of PT/OT assistants, rehabilitation technicians, and student affiliates in a respectful, courteous and consistent manner.
• Maintains accurate medical records and charts and completes reports in an organized, thorough and timely manner.
• Fosters communication with patients and families, other therapists, physicians, nurses, volunteers, and other hospital staff to achieve goals and establish department support; attends and provides quality input during multidisciplinary rounds and departmental meetings.
• Provides patient and family education. Includes information on outside resources to meet the patient's specific needs.
• Promotes health care outcomes in concert with currently accepted clinical practice guidelines and established clinical pathways. Identifies poor outcomes/data for referral for performance improvement.
• Attends inservices and required training; actively engages in continuing education and professional development.
• Assists with orientation and training of new or current therapy staff.
• Submits all patient charges promptly.
• Participates in Quality and Performance Improvement activities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor Degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or other Therapy related field.
• 2-3 years of clinical experience.

Licensure/Certification Requirements

REQUIRED:

• NYS license as a Physical Therapist / Occupational Therapist.
• Certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) if incumbent is an Occupational Therapist.
• Certified by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.
• CPR/BLS certified.