Occupational Therapist, Hand - La Jolla - 139672

UC San Diego Health is seeking a Full-Time Occupational Therapist with Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credentials, or an Occupational Therapist actively working toward CHT certification, to provide advanced, specialized outpatient hand therapy services. This position is primarily based at the Koman Outpatient Pavilion (KOP). Based on operational needs, the therapist may be required to float to other UC San Diego Health outpatient rehabilitation clinics.This role is ideal for a highly skilled hand therapist with strong clinical expertise in treating both routine and complex upper extremity conditions. The Occupational Therapist will independently evaluate and treat patients with traumatic hand injuries, post-operative conditions, repetitive stress disorders, and complex pathological diagnoses. Care is delivered in close collaboration with hand surgeons, referring physicians, and an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:* Advanced clinical reasoning and hands-on skills in upper extremity and hand rehabilitation* Commitment to evidence-based practice and continued specialization in hand therapy* Experience working in a fast-paced outpatient orthopedic or specialty hand therapy setting* Strong communication and collaboration skills to support optimal patient outcomes

This position plays a key role in supporting UC San Diego Health's growing specialty rehabilitation programs and offers the opportunity to practice within a high-volume, academically affiliated health system recognized for clinical excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide occupational therapy services as a Certified Hand Therapist, including evaluation, treatment planning, and intervention for hand and upper extremity conditions.
• Manage a caseload of routine and complex orthopedic diagnoses in an outpatient setting.
• Collaborate with orthopedic and hand surgeons and interdisciplinary team members.
• Participate in departmental initiatives, including training, program development, and quality improvement activities.
• Serve as a professional representative of Rehabilitation Services to patients, families, physicians, and the general community.
• Demonstrate competence in and adherence to UC San Diego Health core values.
• Float to other UC San Diego Health Outpatient Rehab clinics as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Services are provided in a modern outpatient rehabilitation setting designed to support advanced orthopedic and hand therapy practice. Clinical areas are equipped with BTE isokinetic testing and rehabilitation equipment to support specialized evaluation, strengthening, and return to function programming for hand and upper extremity patients.

• Graduation from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy approved by the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, eligibility for registration by the National Registry of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

• Occupational Therapist (OT) - issued by the state of California.

• BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Less than 2 years experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist in a hospital setting (OT1), more than 2 years experience (OT2), more than 6 years (OT3)

• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
• At least one (1)years of relevant experience.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.