Clinical Specialist

Certified Hand Therapist preferred or new graduates/therapists interested in an outpatient hand therapy setting.  The Hand Therapist treats a variety of upper extremity conditions, both non-operative and post-operative, and is responsible for providing examinations, evaluations, therapy diagnosis, interventions, and prognosis in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies and procedures.  Manages daily caseload based on protocols and patient needs using an EMR system for documentation and billing.  Works closely with surgeons, nurses and other healthcare providers to ensure patients have the best possible outcomes.  Opportunities to collaborate and on the job mentoring and training to develop clinical and splint fabrication skills as well as opportunities for continuing education and career development. 

Education and/or Other Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy or entry level equivalent.  Licensed or license pending in the State of Illinois without previous disciplinary action in Illinois or other states.  Completed Hand Therapy Certification Commission requirements. Current CPR card.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Therapy and instruction— Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects as it pertains to the clinical instruction of students.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
• Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to evaluate and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of Human anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
• Knowledge of laws and government regulations as they apply to State and National standards.
• Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Good knowledge of the standard practices, equipment and rules relating to word processing, written and oral communications.
• Good working knowledge and ability to perform basic computer skills such as but limited to word processing, data entry, and documentation.
• Gives full attention to what other people are saying, takes time to understand the points being made, asks questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Actively looks for ways to help people, co-workers, and other departments.
• Understands the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Able to communicate through clear and concise written, verbal, and listening skills with physicians, consultants, and Rehabilitation team members, patients and patients’ families.
• Ability to anticipate problems and potential outcomes.
• Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Environmental Factors

This position is performed within an environment of occasional exposure to environmental variations, above-normal noise-level, and/or unpleasant substances and limited exposure to hazardous or potentially injurious elements or conditions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, bend and reach.
• The employee will frequently be required to lift, push and pull weight of at least 5 to 50 pounds.

Mental Demands

• Ability to work under stress and adapt to changing conditions.

Essential Functions and Job Duties

• Maintains flexibility, organizes and prioritizes time to accommodate assigned patient load.
• Meets departmental standards and insurance/reimbursement guidelines for documentation of care.

• Daily notes
• Communicates with doctors
• Re-certifications
• Evaluations
• Billing
• Outcome measures

• Evaluates patients; plans and delivers care and treatment to progress patient to goals agreed upon by patient, family and Physician.
• Re-evaluates and plans programs on an ongoing basis.
• Competently applies all Physical Therapy modalities.
• Instructs patients and families in home programs.
• Suggests changes in patients’ clinical approaches, and secures orders as appropriate.
• Communicates and collaborates with rehabilitation team.
• Maintains existing equipment and recommends purchase of new items as consistent with Hospital and Department Strategic Plan.
• Maintains current professional knowledge.

• Attends all mandatory educational programs and continuous education required for licensure.
• Seeks continuing education to improve quality of care.

• Compliant and accurate implementation of billing process.
• Maintains fiscal responsibility of the Department and the Hospital.
• Accepts additional duties and remains flexible in work schedule.

• Serves on task force as requested.
• Assist with CQI studies.
• Conducts communication education.
• Assists Clinical Specialist in staff education.
• Supervises students as requested.

• Maintains patient/family confidentiality to comply with HIPPA regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director, Managers, and Team Leader.