OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - Outpatient Hand Therapist / Certified Hand Therapist

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist with expertise in hand therapy to join our outpatient rehabilitation team. The ideal candidate will evaluate and treat patients with orthopedic conditions affecting the upper extremities using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, modalities, custom splinting, and exercise programs, in alignment with physician orders and departmental protocols.

Essential Functions

• Perform comprehensive assessments and develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with referring physicians, patients, and families.
• Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care with a focus on functional outcomes and recovery of upper extremity use.
• Monitor patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Accurately document evaluations, treatment interventions, and patient progress in the medical record.
• Design, fabricate, and fit custom orthoses (splints) and adaptive equipment to support rehabilitation of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinic environment, adhering to infection control and safety protocols.
• Provide patient and family education regarding home exercise programs, proper body mechanics, and activity modifications.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and serve as a clinical resource on hand therapy and occupational therapy best practices.
• Assist with the upkeep of treatment areas, equipment, and supplies.
• Participate in department initiatives, continuing education, and other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Current licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
• Certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) preferred or in progress.
• Strong knowledge of occupational therapy principles, standards of care, and upper extremity rehabilitation techniques.
• Proficiency in the use of OT equipment and fabrication of custom therapeutic devices and splints.
• Understanding of clinical policies and regulations related to safety, infection control, and quality improvement.
• Excellent clinical evaluation and treatment skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage a dynamic patient caseload.
• Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, families, physicians, and team members.
• Commitment to maintaining a professional, supportive, and patient-focused clinical environment.

Standard Qualifications

Education: B.S. in Occupational Therapy Program. Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state of Indiana.
Experience: Minimum of two years experience in a clinic setting. New graduates considered.

Physical/Mental Demands

Extensive physical activities including standing, stooping, lifting, reaching, bending, twisting. Must be able to transport/transfer patient safely. Requires ability to lift/carry and move equipment and supplies up to 50 pounds. Occasional stress from dealing with workload and noncompliant patients.

Environmental/Working Conditions

Combination of office and treatment areas. Exposure to communicable diseases and other
conditions common to a clinic setting. Exposure to electrical equipment and cleaning solutions.
Frequent contact with staff, patients and visitors. Work may be stressful at times. Interactions with
others are constant and interruptive.
This description is intended to provide guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may evolve as needs change.
The job holder must demonstrate current competencies applicable to the job position.
South Bend Orthopedics (SBO) has the right to revise this position description at any time.
This position description is not a contract of employment and does not alter the employee’s at-will employment status.