The Occupational/Hand Therapist will restore function and prevent disability by planning and administering medically prescribed occupational therapy. Utilizes purposeful occupations and/or activities that will restore an individual’s capacity to its fullest potential and to perform the tasks of daily living essential to maintenance of an independent lifestyle. Works in an outpatient capacity to the care and treatment of orthopedic hand/upper extremity and biomechanical conditions to optimize function of the hand and arm. Assists with the overall development of departmental programs and objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, coordinates and utilizes select knowledge and skills in planning, organizing and implementing treatment programs for the care of individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease and/or injury.
• Independently performs occupational therapy examination (history, system review and tests and measures) and assesses and interprets findings to determine an occupational therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention in consultation with physician by prescription.
• Uses problem solving and clinical decision making to independently design, implement, and modify therapeutic interventions, custom splint or brace fabrication to maintain, improve, or restore maximum independence with activities of daily living (ADL) and vocational skills/return to work. Consults with referring clinicians with regards to patient treatment plans as appropriate.
• Completes discharge planning, consulting with other healthcare team members as needed to ensure appropriate level of services for continued care.
• Encourages and assists the patients in meeting the plan of care goals. Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing and educating the patient/family/caregiver; and recommends and/or provides assistive equipment.
• Directly supervises rehab techs and students in the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training, planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints to the appropriate source and resolving problems.
• Uses acceptable billing and coding practices; documents appropriately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge and skills by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; networking; and participating in professional organizations.
• Modifies work schedule to meet and accommodate patient needs. Schedule and shifts may vary including evenings.
• Contributes to team effort, department AOP (annual operation plan) and organizational goals and strategy; participates in staff and community education by providing in-services; assists in overall day to day operations of the department.
• Complies with federal, state and local legal and professional licensure requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Required
• Massachusetts licensed Physical Therapist (PT).
• BLS Certification
• Must possess interpersonal skills to interact with patients, patient’s families, and coworkers.
• Must be a team player.

Preferred
• One to Two years’ experience in Outpatient setting.
• APTA certification in clinical specialization.
• Advanced clinical competencies, license or certification in profession/specialty practice (i.e. Manual Therapy; Aquatics; Lymphedema).

Lawrence General Hospital is a private, non-profit community hospital providing the Merrimack Valley & southern New Hampshire regions with patient-centered, compassionate, and quality health care for the whole family. For over 140 years, the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff of Lawrence General have been committed to improving the health of the people and communities we serve.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.