Certified Hand Therapist

Job Description:

The purpose of a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) within Intermountain Healthcare Rehabilitation services is to promote the highest level of care for individuals seeking rehabilitation services in upper extremity/quadrant rehabilitation. A CHT is a clinician who is a licensed/practicing OT/PT who has passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills/knowledge and achieved national certification. A CHT is intended to use the best evidence to promote development of both the science and the art underlying their specialty area of practice. A CHT is a clinician who demonstrates a highly specialized skill set and who works to translate that knowledge, nurture best practice, lead clinical growth, and foster strong evidence-based clinical programs throughout Intermountain Rehabilitation.

Posting Specifics:

Part-Time hours; eligible for Full-Time Benefits

Scope

The incumbent evaluates and treats a variety of upper extremity injuries, diseases, and disabilities which require more advanced clinical skills and techniques using physical and occupational interventions. Must work 80% of clinical time in upper extremity (includes cervical, shoulder, scapula, elbow, wrist and/or hand).

Job Essentials

• Functions as core clinician (e.g., appropriate documentation for each patient in a complete, thorough, and timely manner in accordance with national, local, and Intermountain regulations, patient billing in an accurate and timely manner, staff management including recruiting, hiring, and annual evaluation assessments).

• Performs advanced practice patient care including prioritizing patient signs and symptoms and engaging patients while considering patient complexities.

• Demonstrates Clinical expertise and leadership for specialty department/clinical programs. Fosters and promotes interdisciplinary care and motivates others.

• Communicates with manager/director regarding clinical program's progress, challenges, and strategic plans.

• Demonstrates a unique, detailed, and intricate knowledge of:

• Upper extremity/quadrant anatomy, pathology, and physiology.

• Surgical and non-surgical upper extremity diagnoses, techniques, protocols and methods.

Apply advanced knowledge to:

• Surgery basics and precautions to ensure successful outcomes.

• Evidence-based treatment.

• Proficient in custom static, dynamic, and static progressive splinting.

• Works to advance knowledge in field of expertise.

• Establishes and maintains an annual plan to complete at least one activity (both manager-directed and caregiver discretion) in each of the following areas of care process development and implementation, mentoring and consulting, education and research, and marketing and community outreach (which may include the following):

Care Process Model

• Participates in professional practice councils and workgroups.

• Implements new or revised care processes, procedures, and protocols as needed, to improve patient care.

• Participates in the organization and implementation of professional development activities for other care givers (e.g. staff educational seminars).

• Engages in continuous quality improvement activities.

• Leads/facilitates Intermountain Continuous Improvement Meetings and other in-service/trainings on best evidence practice.

• Participates in chart audits.

• Participates in initiatives to improve I-Centra documentation and the integration of clinical outcomes.

Mentoring and Consulting

• Acts as a consultative resource in area of specialty.

• Serves as a Credentialed Clinical Instructor (CCI) or Fieldwork Educator (FWE) for students including structured observation hours.

• Mentors or assists in on-boarding clinicians new to Intermountain Healthcare.

• Mentors clinicians seeking growth as a professional or with residency/fellowship requirements in their professional societies.

• Provides consultation, education, and training in their specialization area to other healthcare professionals (e.g., universities, physician groups, other healthcare systems).

Education / Research

• Presents and/or participates in organizing at an internal conference for Intermountain therapists and/or surgeons.

• Presents and/or participates in organizing internal Webex, Continuous Improvement Meetings (CIM), or other system continuing education initiatives.

• Organizes and/or Participates in organizing an outside continuing education courses held at an Intermountain facility.