Orthopedic Technician

Join The BILH TeamWhen you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you're making a difference in people's lives.Job SummaryResponsible for fabricating, fitting, adjusting and removing mobilization and immobilization devices used in the treatment of a wide variety of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Reports to referring physicians for patient care issues and to the Practice Manager for administrative and programmatic issues.Essential ResponsibilitiesApplies, fits adjusts and removes simple and moderately complex plaster and synthetic braces, casts, splints and assistive devices. Chooses appropriate casting materials considering patient's age, activity level, cognition and ability to perform skin care.Sets up and adjusts traction on inpatient beds, places patients in and removes them from traction. Performs rounds to ensure proper patient positioning or to remove unnecessary equipment. Assists physicians in a wide range of sterile and non-sterile clinic and bedside procedures: removal of wires, pins, fixators; dressing or cast changes.Educates other providers both inter and intra departmentally about casting, splinting, traction techniques, and other aspects of orthopedic technology. Trains other providers (i.e., house staff, rehabilitation and nursing staff) to carry out or assist with specific procedures. Acts as a resource for new residents and nursing staff regarding multiple aspects of orthopedic technology.Instruct patients, families, caregivers or co-workers in the proper care and maintenance of casts, splints and orthopedic appliances and precautions for wear. Train patients to ambulate using assistive device on even and uneven surfaces.Oversee medical assistants or volunteers in support activities including assistance with patient care activities, maintenance of equipment, inventory and stocking of supplies.Performs administrative functions such as billing, statistical reports and maintenance of records. Participates in department activities for Quality Assurance and performance improvement.Investigates new orthopedic products and techniques, assessing cost/benefit to existing practice and communicating findings to relevant supervisory staff.Required QualificationsHigh School diploma or GED required. Vocational or Technical training in orthopedic technology training program preferred.Certificate 1 Heartsaver Certificate (CPR) preferred.1-3 years related work experience required.Knowledge of the application and adjustment of simple and moderately complex plaster or fiberglass casts, splints and orthotic devices as generally acquired through at least two years of related job/technical and/or educational/training experience.Knowledge of basic human anatomy and techniques to align fractured bones or position body parts for proper casting; fracture healing and complications; wound healing and complications; principles of aseptic techniques; principles of skin care as generally acquired with two+ years of related experience.Experience with computer systems required, including web based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.Preferred QualificationsTwo+ years related experience in an acute care medical setting.Ability to work safely and continuously with machines such as grinders, saws and heating ovens.CompetenciesDecision Making: Ability to make decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation. May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance.Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation using direct observation, knowledge and skills based on general precedents.Independence of Action: Ability to follow precedents and procedures. May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines. Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations. Work progress is monitored by supervisor/manager.Written Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal and external customers.Oral Communications: Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families and external customers.Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.Team Work: Ability to work collaboratively in small teams to improve the operations of immediate work group by offering ideas, identifying issues, and respecting team members.Customer Service: Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.Age based Competencies: Employees in this job must be competent to provide patient care to the following age groups: Young adult: 16-30 years, Middle Age: 30 - 60 years, Elderly: 60 -.Physical Nature of the Job: Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 50 pounds of force frequently. Work is physically demanding and requires extended periods of standing and/or moving.BILH Vaccination PolicyAs a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment.