Certified Hand Therapist

MTS Therapy & Wellness is currently seeking a Certified Hand Therapist to join our team!

MTS is offering a unique experience for a Certified Hand Therapist to work side by side with an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon. Our facility at MTS OLG Ortho allows for and encourages cooperative care with the surgeons and staff, allowing for holistic care for both operative and non-operative patients. This individual will be integral in understanding and implementing the rehabilitative and habilitative interventions in hand and upper extremity care as they collaborate with our new orthopedic hand surgeon.

Job Description

The Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is responsible for organizing and conducting medically prescribed evaluation and treatment to restore function and prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of a body part. This includes highly specialized knowledge and skills in evaluating, assessing and treating upper extremity/hand dysfunction. The CHT develops a plan of treatment with measurable functional and rehabilitative goals to restore independence and functional capacity. The incumbent must perform age/diagnosis appropriate evaluation and re-assessment methods specialized for the upper extremity and hand. The CHT possess advanced skills and training to fabricate splints, other custom restorative devices and ergonomics. The CHT provides clinical supervision and oversight to therapists, assistants and aides in the provision of hand and upper extremity therapy.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school of physical or occupational therapy.
• Louisiana licensed physical or occupational therapist or eligible for immediate licensure.
• Actively pursing Hand Therapy Certification by Hand Therapy Certification Commission.
• Certified Hand Therapist or immediate eligibility to sit for certification exam - CHT required within 180 days of hire.
• Participation in professional organization is strongly encouraged.

knowledge:

• One continuing education course for each year of practice is desirable.
• CPR Certification required within 30 days of hire. Maintains current CPR Certification.

Experience:

Must have advanced hand therapy experience (minimum three years) required for Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc. certification required.

Skills:

• Under the direction of a licensed physician, the therapist develops and implements patient treatment consistent with the objectives of the interdisciplinary treatment plan by performing comprehensive assessments, establishing realistic and measurable short and long term goals, and initiating appropriate actions based upon evaluation findings. Advanced knowledge of upper extremity and hand anatomy/physiology, disorders, injuries and medical treatments/surgical repair are required.
• The therapist has extensive knowledge of treatment upper extremity/hand therapy modalities, procedures, therapeutic activities, splinting and equipment/devices and implements appropriate treatment techniques include but are not limited to exercises, heat, water, light, electricity, massage joint mobilization, gait and functional training, wound dressing, sharp debridement, use of orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
• In a timely manner, documents patient's evaluation progress, interim assessments, and discharge summaries with updated goals. Updates, modifies and prioritizes goals based on evaluations and re-evaluation of findings.
• Independently plans and arranges for patient discharges through communication with the interdisciplinary team; discharges patients with appropriated home programs, durable medical equipment, and referrals to other health care professionals.
• Engages in continuous quality improvement activities to evaluate compliance to standards, policies and procedures, and identifies strategies to improve patient care.