Hand Therapist I

University of Rochester•Town of Henrietta, NY

6d•$69,326 - $93,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Hand Therapist I aids patients in correcting or adjusting to upper extremity disabilities by selecting, adapting, and using appropriate physical or occupational therapy procedures. The therapist follows physician orders or may operate independently under New York State’s direct access statute. The role evaluates patients’ functional upper extremity abilities and disabilities through tests, observations, and information from family members, physicians, nursing staff, and others. It plans and delivers treatment programs based on diagnoses, prognosis, emotional needs, patient environment, and physician orders. The therapist instructs and counsels patients and families on equipment and techniques, evaluates home facilities, and recommends adaptations and resources for discharge. The role also recommends and provides adaptive and assistive devices, promotes safe equipment use and maintenance, determines therapy types and frequency, and recommends program modifications to physicians as needed. The therapist maintains patient and department records and stays current with developments in the field through professional reading, meetings, and seminars.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy and completion of relevant clinical education.
Basic foundational knowledge of Physical or Occupational Therapy practice.
New York State Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist license upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy.
Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification upon hire.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients’ functional upper extremity abilities and disabilities using tests, observations, and information from family members, physicians, nursing staff, and others.
Plan treatment programs based on upper extremity diagnoses, prognosis, emotional needs or problems, patient environment, and physician orders.
Instruct and counsel patients and families on equipment and techniques.
Evaluate home facilities and suggest adaptations and resources in preparation for patient discharge.
Recommend, obtain, and instruct patients on the use of adaptive and assistive devices.
Ensure appropriate safety practices and equipment maintenance.
Determine types and frequencies of therapies and provide treatment using a variety of procedures and therapies.
Recommend treatment program modifications to physicians as needed.
Maintain required patient and department records.
Keep current with developments in the field by reading and attending professional meetings and seminars.
Perform other duties as assigned.