Overview

The Certified Hand Therapist will practice in the same office as our partnering hand surgeon and advanced practice providers, creating an environment for close collaboration within the Yale Medicine orthopedic practice. As a critical part of the Fairfield clinic hand team, the CHT will play a vital role in providing our patients the highest quality hand and upper extremity care.

Responsible for the evaluation and treatment of patients in a variety of inpatient and /or outpatient areas as assigned. Collaborates proactively with interdisciplinary treatment team members. Acts as a mentor for staffs and students. Works collaboratively with unit resources in assessing program needs as well as educational needs of staff. Serves as a catalyst to promote the achievement of departmental goals. Performs other clinical, teaching and administrative duties as required. Serves as positive ambassador for all Rehabilitation Services.

Responsible for the evaluation and treatment of patients in a variety of inpatient and /or outpatient areas as assigned. Collaborates proactively with interdisciplinary treatment team members. Acts as a mentor for staffs and students. Works collaboratively with unit resources in assessing program needs as well as educational needs of staff. Serves as a catalyst to promote the achievement of departmental goals. Performs other clinical, teaching and administrative duties as required. Serves as positive ambassador for all Rehabilitation Services.

Responsibilities

• 1. Clinical
• 1.1 Able to interpret physician referral recognizing skill level required with any patient diagnosis.
• 2. Comprehensive Patient Care
• 2.1 Utilizes Assistant and support staff, students, and volunteers appropriately in the delivery of patient care.
• 3. Clinical Supervision
• 3.1 Appropriately delegates responsibility to Level I therapists, therapist assistants, clinical students and support staffs. Maintains appropriate and compliant level of clinical supervision and documentation review/co-signature and ensures that information sharing and teaching are an integral part of daily interactions.
• 4. Documentation
• 4.1 Maintains concise and accurate patient care documentation and billing in accordance with system, hospital and department policy and regulatory requirements.
• 5. Education
• 5.1 Demonstrates participation in professional development. Stays informed of current developments in the field by attending department in-services.
• 6. Administration
• 6.1 Uses equipment in a safe and effective manner, and instructs other staffs in same. Reports malfunctioning or missing equipment to Supervisor and takes corrective action to remove from use.
• 7. Career Ladder
• 7.1 Has completed successful Career Ladder Application and been awarded Career Ladder advancement by Career Ladder Review Board, and/or meets established criteria for achieving Level II status. Adheres to department requirements for demonstrating such standards.

Qualifications

EDUCATION (number of years and type required to perform the position duties):

Graduate of an accredited program in Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy equivalent and B.S. degree

EXPERIENCE (number of years and type required to meet an acceptable level of performance):

Requires three (3) years' experience with experience relevant to the position being applied to. Internal

candidates must successfully complete department career ladder application process if applying from Level I. Exceptions to this requirement may only be made with a Manager's recommendation and Department Head approval.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

The individual should demonstrate age-specific knowledge in basic anatomy and physiology, psychology and Occupational Therapy theory, evaluations, and treatment techniques to be applied to a diverse patient population. Observation skills, communication skills (both verbal and written), and an ability to work with patients, families and other providers in a synergistic manner are essential. Excellent interpersonal, clinical and organizational skills. The individual should also be willing and able to assume increased responsibilities as required.

ACCOUNTABILITY (how this position is held accountable for such as goals achievement, budget adherence, or other areas of accountability):

Accountable for providing timely assessment and treatment of patients in a manner that provides an exceptional patient experience and adheres to applicable state and federal regulations and is consistent with professional standards. Accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record is required. Legally accountable for all tasks delegated to assistants, support staff, and students. Actively supports the mission, vision and values of Yale New Haven Health System and the Department of Rehabilitation Services. In personal and job-related decisions and actions, consistently demonstrates the values of integrity (doing the right thing), patient-centered (putting patients and families first), respect (valuing all people and embracing all differences), accountability (being responsible and taking action), and compassion (being empathetic).

COMPLEXITY (describe planning, problem solving, decision making, creative activity, or other special factors inherent in the responsibilities of this position):

Requires working with highly complex cases in a fast-paced environment. Position requires knowledge of age-specific assessments and treatment interventions.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Must maintain a current unencumbered license or temporary permit to practice as an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist in CT. All newly hired employees must have current BLS certification or obtain within two months of hire.

INFORMATIONAL

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMAND:

May require exposure to blood and body fluids, hazardous materials and communicable diseases; long periods of standing and walking; lifting and positioning of patients.

The worker must be able to stand, walk, talk, hear, lift, push, pull, reach, stoop, kneel, climb and perform repetitive motions, of the wrist, fingers or hands., The worker is subject to inside environmental/atmospheric conditions such as poor ventilation and is also subject to hazards, such as exposure to chemicals., The worker must be able to operate various exercise equipment, whirlpools, ultrasound and electrical stimulation equipment., The worker must be able to exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and /or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently and/or up to, 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects or the human body., Functions with or without the assistance of reasonable accommodation as determined on a case by case basis.

Incumbents as well as external and internal applicants who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without the assistance of reasonable accommodation as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Information

Seeking a Certified Hand Therapist to support hand therapy patients in an outpatient orthopedic setting.

YNHHS Requisition ID

160798