Occupational Therapist

Hand Therapist, OPA Wasilla, FT

Orthopedic Physicians Alaska seeks a highly skilled, dedicated, and professional Hand Therapist to join our rapidly growing and dynamic team. We provide work-life balance, competitive salaries, and comprehensive medical, dental, FSA, life, and disability insurance, as well as profit sharing, 401(k), and paid time off starting at three (3) weeks per year.

OPA fosters a strong working and learning relationship with our physical therapists. We take a keen interest in our continued staff education and development. OPA leads the way in continued learning, including therapist/physician mentorship, educational in-services and generous continuing education.

Learn more about Orthopedic Physicians Alaska at www.OPAlaska.com.

With minimal supervision, the Hand Therapist implements high quality hand therapy services for patients and caregivers, and facilitates in accordance with the principles and practices of physical/occupational therapy and Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) policies and procedures. The Hand Therapist assists the Lead Hand Therapist with daily operation of the Hand Therapy clinic to ensure smooth operation. The Hand Therapist develops treatment plans, supervises assistants and aides, contributes to case management, and provides quality patient care. The Hand Therapist maintains a positive level of interaction with clients to enhance and expand client relations with OPA facilities and staff.

Ideal attributes
• Ability to work effectively within a team
• Leadership skills sufficient to effectively direct and supervise activities of staff and aides in delivering quality care to patients, including coaching and teaching skills
• Strong organizational, time management, and planning skills
• Effective clinical problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and prioritize issues in a responsive manner
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute sound, innovative action plans and ensure appropriate results

Representative duties
• Evaluate, treat, and progress upper-extremity patients in a professional manner and with the scope of practice consistent with State of Alaska guidelines as well as American Society of Hand Therapist (ASHT) and Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) guidelines.
• Maintain good communication with referring providers concerning treatment orders, expectations, limitations, and contraindications.
• Work with Lead Hand Therapist to maintain rehab protocols for hand therapy area that are mutually agreed upon between referring physicians.
• Work with Lead Hand Therapist to manage equipment and supplies and maintain adequate supply.
• Manage daily schedule to include timely completion of daily patient documentation and billing charges.
• Supervise students as needed.
• Keep Hand Therapy area clean, neat, and presentable in appearance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Hand Therapist or Director of Therapy Services.

Knowledge and skill requirements
• Ability to lift patients using appropriate biomechanical lifting techniques frequently throughout the course of the work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting fifty (50) pounds dead weight alone.
• Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach consistently during the work day/shift.
• Visual acuity (near and distant) sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, and monitor patient needs and to maintain accurate records, recognize people, and provide directions.
• Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand and give directions.
• Ability to push wheeled equipment through the facility and to the community.
• Possess fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing of reports, charting, scheduling daily correspondence and presentations, either manually or through use of dictation equipment.
• Possess fine motor skills for the effective and efficient handling of diagnostic or therapeutic equipment.

Required qualifications
- Graduation from accredited OT/PT program after completing a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Licensed in Alaska and in good standing to practice PT/OT

Candidates meeting the above skills and qualifications and desiring to be part of a patient-centered, professional environment are invited to apply.

OrthoAlaska is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, pregnancy, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected categories.