CERTIFIED HAND THERAPIST

DEPARTMENT:

SHIFT: CURRENT SHIFT BEING WORKED AS AGENCY STAFF/CONTRACTED EMPLOYEE

The Certified Hand Therapist, CCH provides specialized care including both evaluations and treatments of the hands, wrist and upper extremity. The position works primarily with outpatient populations such as but not limited to post-operative orthopedic, trauma, burn or chronic system disorders which may impair the underlying function of the hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder. Participates with hand clinic and inpatient/outpatient care as required by patient diagnosis and/or coverage assistance.

Typical Duties

• Evaluates and treats various patient populations with hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder dysfunction, primarily on in the outpatient setting however may have cross-coverage responsibilities.
• Performs screening, specialized assessments and treatments on complex patients.
• Gathers, interprets and summarized medical, evaluation and treatment information from a variety of sources into appropriate patient documentation according to departmental policies.
• Makes developmental and/or age appropriate modifications in observation, evaluation and treatment methods/activities in order to evaluate/treat patients who may have difficult circumstances and multiple diagnosis.
• Communications with the Orthopedic and Hand Surgeons within the Cook County Health & Hospitals (CCHHS) system.
• Acts as a liaison to represent the department on special assignments within the CCHHS organization.
• Performs custom orthosis fabrication for both in and outpatient populations as related to hand/wrist dysfunction.
• Mentors junior staff to improve the overall understanding, knowledge and execution of evaluation, treatments and splinting of the hand, wrist and upper extremity.
• Trains Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and Occupational Therapy (OT) students as outlined by Occupational Therapy services and according to state licensure.
• Takes responsibility for workflow and assignments in various clinical areas providing coverage when other staff members are absent
• Records and maintains records, statistics and schedules.
• Takes initiative when dealing with unexpected occurrences such as staff absence and fluctuating workload.
• Assists with durable medical equipment needs of the department by performing stock, inventory and ordering of supplies based on department and patient needs.
• Assists to maintain work area and facility tidy, organized, presentable and clean.
• Supports and participates in Departmental and professional licensure activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university (Must provide Official Transcripts at time of Interview)
• Valid licensure in good standing as an Occupational Therapy in the State of Illinois (Must provide proof at time of Interview)
• Valid National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification (Must provide proof at time of Interview)
• Valid Certified Hand Therapy (CHT) Certification (Must provide proof at time of Interview)
• Five (5) years of practice within the outpatient hand therapy realm
• Basic proficiency using Microsoft Office (Testing may be administered)
• Must possess a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification (Must provide proof at time of Interview)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of educational and research administration
• Knowledge of orthosis fabrication
• Knowledge and understanding of the Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPointand Outlook)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills for managing inter-professional communication required in a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work collaboratively in a complex organizational culture and reporting structure, including cross-functional coordination with the correctional system
• Cultural and linguistic competence to work with a diverse patient population

Physical and Environmental Demands
This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment
requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed asan exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

*Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.