Occupational/Physical Therapist - Hand Therapist

The Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist is responsible for providing direct patient care, evaluations, consultations, and treatments in order to assist patients in reaching maximum physical performance for the upper quarter of the human body. Utilizing specialized skills in assessment and treatment, the Certified Hand Therapist, promotes the goals of prevention of dysfunction, restoration of function, and/or reversal of the progression of pathology in order to enhance participation in life situations for individuals with upper quarter disease or injury. The Certified Hand Therapist may work in one or more of the following environments within Billings Clinic to include hospital, Rehabilitation Center, Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, and/or Industrial Medicine/Occupational Medicine.

Essential Job Functions
• Supports and models behaviors consistent with the mission and philosophy of Billings Clinic and department/service
• Provide population based services
Determine the needs of the target population (e.g., industrial, athletic or performing artist groups, etc.). Consideration is given to cultural diversity and age-appropriate care.
Make intervention recommendations (e.g., education programs, prevention strategies, ergonomic modifications, and screening) based on available resources
Assist in implementation of interventions
Monitor effectiveness of interventions
Serve as a resource person/consultant
• Organize and Manage Services
Comply with regulations that ensure environmental safety
Advocate for patients
Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures
Participate in case management
Assess patient satisfaction
•  Promote Professional Practice
Maintain ethical and legal standards
Participate in evidence based practice (e.g., scientifically-based, outcome based)
Interpret and apply clinical research and outcome studies
• Evaluate Upper Quarter and Relevant Patient Characteristics
Interview patient
Obtain and review medical, psychosocial and vocational history
Plan for and select assessment tool
Assess and document skeletal, muscular, nervous, vascular, skin connective tissue status, functional and/or ergonomic status and psychosocial factors
Reassess and document patient status at appropriate intervals
Consideration is given to cultural diversity and age appropriate care needs
• Develop Treatment and Discharge Plans
Integrate theoretical knowledge bases and patient goals into treatment
Establish short and long term goals of treatment
Establish frequency of treatment in collaboration with patient and referring physician and within the guidelines of third party payers
Determine rehab potential
Select appropriate treatment techniques to improve overall and functional status which may include:
Activity
Adaptive/assistive devices
Training in activities of daily living (ADLs)
Behavior management
Compressive therapy
Desensitization
Electrical modalities
Ergonomic modification
Exercise
Manual therapy
Patient and family education
Prosthetics
Sensory re-education
Splinting
Standardized and non-standardized assessment tools
Strengthening
Thermal modalities
Work hardening/retraining
Wound care/dressing/topical agents
• Discusses evaluations, goals and treatments with patients and families in order to minimize anxieties and maximize cooperation.
Identify appropriate resources to which patients can be referred
Consult with and refer to other health care professionals. Maintains communication with Medical Director, attending physician, ancillary departments and requesting third party payers regarding patients’ treatment plan and progress through written and verbal means.
Document the treatment plan
Assess readiness and determine discharge needs including return to work
Formulate and document discharge plan

• Implement Treatment Plans
Implement and modify treatment/interventions to address edema/vascularity, pain, scar, ROM/flexibility, wounds, strength, dexterity, sensation, function, endurance, and posture/movement.
Documents timely and regular initial evaluations, progress and discharge notes consistent with department policy, regulatory agency and reimbursement requirements.
• Completes daily patient charges and work schedule.
• Identifies need and sets goals for own professional growth and development; meets all mandatory requirements. Participates and attends educational meetings with respect to continuing education, co-worker in-services, and Billings Clinic educational course offerings to enhance knowledge and further professional skills. • Provides instruction to patients as directed by physician, APP or as documented in department policies and procedures.
• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.