Occupational Therapist - Outpatient Hand

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences•Little Rock, AR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Come join our dynamic outpatient therapy, community fitness and sports medicine family as a hand therapist working closely with our physician partners! We value mentorships, continuing education, and a healthy caseload to provide individualized care as appropriate. Candidates should have a passion for hand and upper extremity conditions within an orthopaedic patient population. The position will be a flex position covering outpatient therapy volumes at 3 clinic locations working as part of an effective multidisciplinary team. The hand therapist possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the upper limb structures that includes the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle along with function and activity. Specialized skills are utilized in assessment, treatment, and therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual's ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations. The hand therapist possesses the ability to work independently with initiative in a fast-paced clinic to manage outpatient upper limb referrals. Post-operative assessment and treatment may require CHT collaboration to gain expertise in orthotic fabrication & adjustment, modalities, and wound care along with gaining working knowledge and skill in treatment of advanced hand and upper extremity protocols. The hand therapist completes all continuum of care expectations to include the following: evaluation and establishing plans of care, therapy reassessments to adjust plans of care when appropriate, functional performance reassessment for discharge planning, screenings to determine appropriateness of therapy, and daily treatments along with appropriate patient documentation per department, HIPAA and JCAHO standards where applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy PLUS two (2) years of experience in Occupational Therapy OR Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy
Certified by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or eligible to apply for the examination
Current Arkansas Occupational Therapy License or eligible to obtain license within one (1) month of date of hire
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy
CHT Preferred

Responsibilities

Assesses upper-extremity function, range of motion, strength, sensation, coordination, cognition, and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).
Identifies barriers to independent functioning after surgery or injury.
Selects evidence-based interventions based on the patient's diagnosis, physician recommendations, and rehabilitation needs.
Teaches post-operative precautions (such as hip, knee, shoulder, or spine precautions).
Instructs patients in safe transfers, home safety, and use of adaptive equipment.
Provides caregiver training to ensure safe assistance after discharge.
Works closely with orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, nurses, physical therapists, case managers, and other rehabilitation professionals.
Participates in discharge planning and communicate patient progress to the healthcare team.
Completes evaluations, daily treatment notes, progress reports, discharge summaries, and billing documentation.
Ensures documentation complies with hospital policies, payer requirements, and professional standards.
Determines whether patients can safely return home or require inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, or outpatient therapy.
Recommends durable medical equipment and community resources as needed.
May perform other duties as assigned.