Occupational Therapist-Hand Therapy Casual

Occupational Therapist – Hand Therapy (Casual As Needed)

At Northwestern Medicine, patient‑first care drives everything we do. As a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) in our Hand Therapy team, you will provide direct patient care, teach, and participate in process improvement while embodying our core values of Patients First, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.

• A licensed occupational therapist who complies with the Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice as outlined by the State of Illinois.
• The position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees, and departmental process improvement.
• Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in professional, clinical, communication, education, and leadership activities.

• Demonstrates the NM values of Patients First, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.
• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Facilitates collaborative care with other healthcare team members.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
• Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate evaluation, treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols. Performs re‑evaluations according to department guidelines, adjusting the treatment plan accordingly. Evidenced by chart review.
• Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances.
• Assumes complete responsibility over the course of OT patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety and treatment outcome as evidenced by team feedback and documentation. Maintains primary responsibility over patient plans of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating COTA(s).
• Adheres to department policy regarding evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries. All notes reflect medical necessity and are accurately entered per policy into the electronic medical record.
• Completes daily notes that reflect patient's response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all regulatory documentation requirements.
• Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient's level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by chart review, observation and team feedback.
• Participates in committees, department processes, and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan.
• Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for input, open and honest conversation, approachability and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions.
• Works to develop and maintain professional relationships with members of healthcare teams (e.g., physician, nurse, case manager). Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations.
• Accepts constructive feedback and is able to make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms, chart audits and team feedback.
• Proactively completes non‑patient care responsibilities within established time frames consistently (e.g., coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay forms, discharge checklists, follow‑up phone calls).
• Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g., in‑services, Journal Club, new hire orientation, process improvement).
• Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host as per department…