What are the responsibilities and job description for the Occupational/Physical Therapist - Hand Therapist position at Billings Clinic Health System?
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
of Billings Clinic and department/service
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
Comply with regulations that ensure environmental safety
Advocate for patients
Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures
Participate in case management
Assess patient satisfaction
Maintain ethical and legal standards
Participate in evidence based practice (e.g., scientifically-based, outcome based)
Interpret and apply clinical research and outcome studies
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
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
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 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.
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.
patients as directed by physician, APP or as documented in department policies
and procedures.
agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job
performance.
department/organization.
