What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Hand Therapist position at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute Career Center?
As the region’s subspecialty orthopedic group, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute has served the orthopedic needs of northwest Indiana since 1968. With state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located in Chesterton, Crown Point, Michigan City, Portage, and Schererville, we are dedicated to delivering the exceptional, compassionate care to our patients to keep them moving and enjoying life.
Job Summary
Responsible for evaluating, planning and administering physical therapy treatment plans for patients with upper extremity injuries and conditions, designed to alleviate pain, restore function, prevent disabilities, and promote overall fitness and health of patients.
Essential Job Functions
Conduct thorough initial evaluations to assess patient condition, medical history, and functional limitations.
Expertly fabricate, modify, and fit custom static and dynamic orthoses/splints
Formulate targeted, evidence-based treatment plans with measurable short- and long-term goals.
Administer hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities (e.g., heat/ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation).
Track patient progress, modifying treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal recovery and outcomes.
Instruct patients and their families on proper at-home exercises, injury prevention, and coping strategies.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant electronic medical records (EMRs) for evaluations, daily notes, progress reports and discharge summaries in compliance with facility and state regulations.
Coordinate care with referring physicians, surgeons, and other allied healthcare professionals.
Review patient medical history, assess functional limitations, and establish personalized treatment goals.
Lead patients through prescribed exercises, manual therapy, and utilize modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation.
Track patient recovery, adjust treatment plans as needed, and coordinate care with physicians and occupational therapists.
Teach patients and their families proper at-home exercises, injury prevention techniques, and what to expect during recovery.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, work longer than eight (8) hour shifts, and to work both day/evening shifts. Work may hand dexterity as well as the need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a clinical environment. Involves frequent contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive. Work may involve interaction with injured or sick patients. Travel between all Lakeshore Bone & Joint facilities is required for this position.
Qualifications
- Current, valid state license in OT or PT
- Active Certified Hand Therapist designation
- Basic life support (BLS) certification
- Minimum of one year of clinical experience in upper extremity/hand rehabilitation preferred; strong new graduates will also be considered.
Required Skills
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of CPT & ICD-9 coding procedures.
Thorough knowledge of therapy principles and practices.
Working knowledge of computer programs and EMR documentation.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodation Statement
Lakeshore Bone & Joint is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.