Occupational Therapist, Hand - Per Diem - La Jolla

Occupational Therapist, Hand - Per Diem - La Jolla

UC San Diego Health is seeking a Per Diem Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) to provide specialized outpatient hand therapy services. This position is primarily assigned to the Koman Outpatient Pavilion (KOP) and Hillcrest outpatient rehabilitation locations. As a per diem role, the therapist may be required to float to other UC San Diego Health outpatient rehab clinics based on operational needs.

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for the evaluation and treatment of patients with routine and complex hand and upper extremity conditions, including traumatic injuries, post operative care, and pathological diagnoses. Services are delivered in collaboration with physicians and interdisciplinary team members.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy approved by the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Occupational Therapist license 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outpatient experience in a hospital based setting and/or preferred experience in a large academic medical center.
• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).

Special Conditions

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• May flex and float between sites as needed.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.