Primary Function

The Massage Therapist provides therapeutic chair massage services to patients within a hospital setting. This role focuses primarily on chair massage techniques to support stress reduction, comfort, and musculoskeletal relief while adhering strictly to hospital policies, safety standards, infection prevention protocols, and professional scope of practice. Services are delivered in outpatient clinics and designated wellness areas in collaboration with interdisciplinary care teams.

Job Description

· Conduct patient assessments, including medical history review, identification of contraindications, and evaluation of treatment needs.

· Develop and deliver individualized therapeutic massage interventions to support pain management, mobility, and overall function, in accordance with clinical standards and infection prevention practices.

· Monitor patient response to treatment, evaluate outcomes, identify adverse or unexpected findings, and promptly communicate concerns to supervising or referring providers.

· Educate patients and families on body mechanics, stretching, relaxation techniques, self-care strategies, and post-treatment expectations to support continuity of care.

· Document all assessments, treatments, patient education, informed consent, and outcomes accurately and timely in the electronic medical record (EMR), in compliance with hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, and regulatory and billing requirements.

· Collaborate with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members to support coordinated, patient-centered care.

· Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare staff regarding treatment plans, progress, and clinical recommendations.

· Adhere to hospital policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements, including safety, infection control, confidentiality (HIPAA), and the North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act.

· Maintain current state licensure, certifications, competencies, and hospital privileges as required.

· Participate in performance improvement, quality assurance, outcomes measurement, and hospital initiatives related to patient experience, integrative pain management, and clinical effectiveness.

· Engage in ongoing education, training, and competency validation to ensure safe, effective, and compliant practice.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of a school that maintained its approval status with The North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy on a continuous basis during the applicant’s time of enrollment.

• Active and unrestricted North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy license.
• Minimum of one year of professional massage therapy experience; chair massage experience preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required and can be obtained upon hire
• Experience working in healthcare, hospital, or integrative medicine settings is preferred but not required.
• Additional training in medical massage, oncology massage, or trauma-informed care is preferred but not required.

Job Knowledge

· Demonstrates knowledge of North Carolina Massage and Bodywork Therapy principles, standards of practice, and clinical application in healthcare settings.

· Proficient in chair massage techniques, including identification of contraindications and adaptation for medically complex patient populations.

· Ability to assess patient presentation, symptoms, and response to treatment using strong observational and clinical reasoning skills.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills to engage patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams with a calm, empathetic, and professional demeanor.

· Ability to collect, document, and communicate comprehensive health assessment data, including relevant medical history and physical findings, using electronic medical records.

· Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced clinical environment.

· Physical ability to safely perform chair massage for extended periods, including standing, bending, and repetitive motion.

· Cultural competence and awareness of the health characteristics of the patient population served.

· Commitment to ongoing continuing education, maintenance of licensure and credentials, and achievement of role proficiency within six months.

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws, and regulations to make decisions. Duties require the application of clinical judgment and problem-solving skills in order to be effective

Supervision Received

The Massage Therapist receives supervision from the Specialty Services Nurse Manager. Position must demonstrate considerable initiative and ability to work independently within applicable licensing regulations where latitude for creative thinking, initiative and discretion are given to achieve department goals and objectives.

Responsibility for Accuracy

A high degree of accuracy is required in the proper care of patients. Undetected errors could have minimal to life threatening results. Work is reviewed retrospectively through quality audits.

Guidelines include IHS manuals, Cherokee Hospital policies and procedures, acupuncture textbooks, and Cherokee Service Unit Medical Staff bylaws, rules, and regulations. Guidelines are broadly stated. Professional judgment must be exercised to determine the proper course to be taken in the care of patients.

Contact with others

Contacts are with patients, families, hospital personnel, and community agencies. Contacts with patients, families, and hospital personnel are to exchange, provide, and obtain information concerning the patient’s physical and psychosocial health care problems, and needs. Contacts with other health care or related disciplines within the hospital are for the purpose of collaboration and consultation. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality are required when dealing with patients and families.

Confidential Data

The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate confidentiality regarding all patient information. Will have access to patient records and highly confidential information. Must function with utmost integrity to safeguard this information. Complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations will be subject to disciplinary action

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment

Job duties can be mentally/emotionally stressful at times. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and lift while assisting patients to walk, transfer, or turn. Some physical exertion and stamina are required. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Work Environment

The employee works primarily in a hospital, inpatient or outpatient clinical environment but may be required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocols for maintaining sterile conditions.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.