Occupational Hand Therapist in Lawrence, Massachusetts at Merrimack Health

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, coordinates and utilizes select knowledge and skills in planning, organizing and implementing treatment programs for the care of individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease and/or injury.
• Independently performs an occupational therapy examination (history, system review and tests and measures) and assesses and interprets findings to determine an occupational therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention in consultation with a physician by prescription.
• Uses problem-solving and clinical decision-making to independently design, implement, and modify therapeutic interventions, custom splint or brace fabrication to maintain, improve, or restore maximum independence with activities of daily living (ADL) and vocational skills/return to work. Consults with referring clinicians with regards to patient treatment plans as appropriate.
• Completes discharge planning, consulting with other healthcare team members as needed to ensure an appropriate level of services for continued care.
• Encourages and assists the patients in meeting the plan of care goals. Assures continuation of a therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing and educating the patient/family/caregiver; and recommending and/or providing assistive equipment.
• Directly supervises rehab techs and students in the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training, planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints to the appropriate source and resolving problems.
• Uses acceptable billing and coding practices; documents appropriately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge and skills by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; networking; and participating in professional organizations.
• Modifies work schedule to meet and accommodate patient needs. Schedule and shifts may vary including evenings.
• Contributes to team effort, department AOP (annual operation plan) and organizational goals and strategy; participates in staff and community education by providing in-service; assists in overall day-to-day operations of the department.
• Complies with federal, state and local legal and professional licensure requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Massachusetts licensed Occupational Therapist (OT).
• Certified Hand Therapist
• BLS Certification
• Five years in an outpatient orthopedic setting.
• Must possess interpersonal skills to interact with patients, patient’s families, and coworkers.
• Must be a team player.

Preferred

• One to two years’ experience in an outpatient setting.
• Advanced clinical competencies, license or certification in profession/specialty practice (i.e. Manual Therapy; Aquatics; Lymphedema).