POSITION OVERVIEW:

Orthopedic Centers of Colorado is seeking an Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our Hand Therapy Fellowship program. This is a full-time, post-professional educational program designed to provide advanced training in upper extremity rehabilitation. The program is 12 months in length. Hand Surgery Associates, a division of Orthopedic Centers of Colorado, employs eight upper extremity surgeons and 18 hand therapists, >80% of which are CHTs. Hand Surgery Associates offices are designed to allow close collaboration between surgeons and therapists. Appointments for complex patients are scheduled so that the patient, therapist and surgeon can meet and discuss progress and plans.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

The Hand Therapy Fellowship program is designed to elevate the OT to the level of a master clinician. The program incorporates both didactic learning experiences and clinical mentoring to provide a well rounded educational experience. The program includes: 1. Direct 1:1 clinical mentoring in upper extremity rehabilitation with CHT mentors

2. Weekly didactic curriculum

3. Physician clinic and surgery observation

4. Opportunities to participate in and present in structured clinical discussions with hand therapists and hand surgeons.

The program includes 350 total hours of clinical mentorship, and the main aim of the program is to provide the education, mentorship, and training necessary to confidently practice within the hand therapy specialty area. The caseload at Hand Surgery Associates is primarily post-operative patients referred from one of the eight upper extremity surgeons at the practice. Ideally, the fellow position would transition to a full-time therapist position at the end of the rotation.

CURRICULUM CONTENT:

The Hand Therapy Fellowship curriculum is designed to provide foundational knowledge and evidence - based practice in upper extremity rehabilitation. The curriculum includes:

1. Anatomy and Physiology of the upper extremity

2. Biomechanics and Kinesiology

3. Psychosocial Effects of Upper Extremity Dysfunction

4. Pain Management

5. Wound Care

6. Orthotic Fabrication

7. Clinical Examination

8. Differential Diagnosis

9. Common Conditions

10. Manual Techniques

11. Special Populations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a therapy diagnosis prior to intervention. Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and occupational therapy treatment required.
• Provide information regarding appropriate selection/use of adaptive equipment and support programs. Help to restore physical function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and improve performance of functional activities.
• Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.
• Perform manual therapy, direct therapeutic exercises and activities. Provide patient education, neuromuscular education, orthotic fabrication, and wound care services.
• Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.
• Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer. Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.
• Discharge patient from occupational therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
• Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Maintain confidentiality of Personal Health Information (PHI) in accordance with company Policies and State and Federal laws, including OHSA and HIPAA regulations.
• Perform job in accordance with all company safety practices.
• Collaborative, self-directed team player with a can-do attitude
• Other duties as assigned.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Status: Full-Time employee, benefit eligible

Salary: $40,000

Benefits offered:

• Medical, dental and vision within 60 days of employment
• Company-paid life insurance and long term disability insurance
• Paid time off, holiday pay
• Continuing education fund stipend of $500

Location: Englewood Office: 601 E Hampden Avenue, Suite 500, Englewood CO 80113

Duration of Position: 12 months, with option to transition to a full-time therapist position at completion of program

Schedule: Four, ten-hour weekdays, with a consistent weekday off. No clinic scheduled on weekends or major holidays.

Hours: 7:30 AM-5:30 PM.

Start Date: July 2023

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Graduate from an approved school of Occupational Therapy (new graduates are welcome to apply)
• Registration with the NBCOT for Occupational Therapy by start date
• State licensure from Colorado DORA by start date
• Current BLS certification within 60 days from hire
• Ability to use computer to enter patient documentation
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Candidates should have a desire to pursue a career in upper extremity rehabilitation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typical clinical office and exam/procedure room environment.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions common to clinical settings
• Frequent standing, typing, moussing, and reading paper and electronic documents
• Ability to file and track documents and data, both in written and electronic form
• Able to frequently stoop, lift carry and push/pull 15 pounds and occasionally up to 30 pounds

Orthopedic Centers of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.