What are the responsibilities and job description for the Occupational Therapist, Hand - La Jolla - 139672 position at UC San Diego?
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 5/13/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
UC San Diego Health is seeking a Full-Time Occupational Therapist with Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credentials, or an Occupational Therapist actively working toward CHT certification, to provide advanced, specialized outpatient hand therapy services. This position is primarily based at the Koman Outpatient Pavilion (KOP). Based on operational needs, the therapist may be required to float to other UC San Diego Health outpatient rehabilitation clinics.This role is ideal for a highly skilled hand therapist with strong clinical expertise in treating both routine and complex upper extremity conditions. The Occupational Therapist will independently evaluate and treat patients with traumatic hand injuries, post-operative conditions, repetitive stress disorders, and complex pathological diagnoses. Care is delivered in close collaboration with hand surgeons, referring physicians, and an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:* Advanced clinical reasoning and hands-on skills in upper extremity and hand rehabilitation* Commitment to evidence-based practice and continued specialization in hand therapy* Experience working in a fast-paced outpatient orthopedic or specialty hand therapy setting* Strong communication and collaboration skills to support optimal patient outcomes
This position plays a key role in supporting UC San Diego Health's growing specialty rehabilitation programs and offers the opportunity to practice within a high-volume, academically affiliated health system recognized for clinical excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide occupational therapy services as a Certified Hand Therapist, including evaluation, treatment planning, and intervention for hand and upper extremity conditions.
- Manage a caseload of routine and complex orthopedic diagnoses in an outpatient setting.
- Collaborate with orthopedic and hand surgeons and interdisciplinary team members.
- Participate in departmental initiatives, including training, program development, and quality improvement activities.
- Serve as a professional representative of Rehabilitation Services to patients, families, physicians, and the general community.
- Demonstrate competence in and adherence to UC San Diego Health core values.
- Float to other UC San Diego Health Outpatient Rehab clinics as required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Services are provided in a modern outpatient rehabilitation setting designed to support advanced orthopedic and hand therapy practice. Clinical areas are equipped with BTE isokinetic testing and rehabilitation equipment to support specialized evaluation, strengthening, and return to function programming for hand and upper extremity patients.
Depending on the experience and verified license of the selected candidate, this position will be hired at the Occupational Therapist I, II or III level.
Graduation from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy approved by the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, eligibility for registration by the National Registry of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Occupational Therapist (OT) - issued by the state of California.
BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
Less than 2 years experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist in a hospital setting (OT1), more than 2 years experience (OT2), more than 6 years (OT3)
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
- At least one (1)years of relevant experience.
- Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
- Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $105,110 - $138,664 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $50.34 - $66.41
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Salary : $105,110 - $138,664