Hand and Upper Extremity Occupational Therapist - PRN

Job Description

Title: Occupational Therapist

Location: 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Schedule: Per Diem: Must work 16 hours every 6 weeks

Work Environment: Onsite in a clinical agreement

About Us

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) is proud to be West Michigan’s most established orthopaedic practice. Our physicians and team members provide exceptional, individualized care for patients of all ages. As the most comprehensive independent provider of musculoskeletal care in the region, we provide total care from diagnosis, to treatment, to rehabilitation. 

Patients at OAM, will have access to our Specialized Surgeons, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Pool Therapy, onsite and cost effective MRI and X-ray services, and orthopaedic bracing, as well as our Bone Health Clinic, OAM Now Urgent Orthopaedic Care Clinic, and Surgery Center at MidTowne – all of which are committed to optimizing your outcome. 

Our teams work together to maximize and adjust treatment quickly and easily, resulting in a smoother, faster recovery for patients. From neck to toe, and from traumatic injuries to chronic conditions, patients will receive compassionate care that will get them back to living. Patient goals are our goals – we will restore their health so they are functioning as fully as possible in the activities they love at home, work, and play.

Position Summary

As an Occupational Therapist at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the functional independence of patients both treating and recovering from hand and upper extremity injuries and/or chronic illnesses. You will design and implement innovative and comprehensive treatment plans, including therapeutic exercises and techniques that will help patient’s return to their everyday activities, from work to play. This role will require that you not only have excellent communication skills, but that you are able to listen to patient concerns and adjust treatment plans accordingly so that they receive the best care possible.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality and comprehensive occupational therapy care as ordered by physicians within the scope of Certified/Licensed Occupational Therapist, including, but not limited to:
  1. Evaluations
     • Conduct thorough assessments to evaluate patients' physical and functional limitations related to hand and upper extremity conditions. This includes evaluation of range of motion, strength, edema, wounds, neurovascular status, splint needs, independence with daily actives, and return to work status.
     • Utilize standardized assessment tools and clinical observations to identify areas of impairment and establish baseline functional status.
  2. Treatments
     • Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based practices to address identified impairments and functional goals. Adjust plans as needed.
     • Execute innovative therapeutic exercise programs, incorporating the latest orthopedic and rehabilitation techniques.
     • Provide patient education on adaptive techniques, home exercise programs, and strategies for enhancing daily activities.
     • Fabricate and fit custom orthoses and prefabricated splints.
• Provide timely communication to all first and third parties involved in patient care.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, work space cleanliness, etc.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA laws and regulations.
• Maintain certification/licensure requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Required:
  1. Graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapy program, with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree.
  2. Current State of Michigan Occupational Therapy license.
  3. 1+ year(s) of experience treating Hand and Upper Extremities.
  4. 1+ year(s) of experience working in an orthopedic environment.
• Preferred:
  1. Certified Hand Therapist, or the willingness to pursue this certification upon hire. 

Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Patient focused mindset and compassionate approach.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work well both on your own and within a team.
• Ability to handle a high volume of patients and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Strong professional appearance.
• Tech savviness, with experience working in EMR systems.

 Motor, Sensory, and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to assist patients of all ages with standing and movement.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern exercise and office equipment.
• Normal or correctible range of hearing and eyesight.
• Frequent bending, stooping, lifting and reaching required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.