The Orthotist, Certified will provide care to patients with disabling conditions of limbs and spine by fitting and preparing devices known as orthoses, under the direction of and in consultation with a physician.

The Orthotist, Certified will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Orthotist, Certified will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

The Orthotist, Certified:

1. Examines and evaluates patients' orthotic needs in relation to disease entity and functional loss.
2. Measures and makes any needed casts.
3. Formulates design of orthoses including selecting materials, making case measurements and designing model modifications and layouts.
4. Performs fittings, including static and dynamic alignments, of devices and makes necessary alterations.
5. Evaluates orthosis on patient and makes adjustments to assure fit, function, cosmesis and quality of work.
6. Instructs patients and family in orthosis use and care, answering patient questions.
7. Evaluates patient progress and maintains patient records and progress notes.
8. Oversees, monitors, and assists technicians in activities related to the development of orthoses.
9. Provides instruction to orthotic residents with the completion of the requirements of the residency program.
10. Presents continuing education programs regarding orthotics evaluation and fabrication to health care professionals.
11. Monitors inventory of all required departmental supplies.
12. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Required Skills Required Experience

1. Work requires the level of knowledge normally acquired by completing, at a minimum, an Associate of Arts program and training program by an accredited school in Orthotic Education.
2. Must be a Certified Orthotist (or board eligible) by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc.
3. Possess or obtain an active IL license as a certified orthotist.
4. Minimum 2 years of clinical experience in all aspects of Orthotic rehabilitation at all levels of functional loss, disease processes, including the fabrication of orthoses.
5. Minimum 1 year of clinical experience in administering evaluations and fabricating equipment.
6. Demonstrates an understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
7. Able to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met.
8. Analytical ability to gather information from patient evaluations and recommend solutions to technical and administrative problems.
9. Interpersonal skills to communicate with patients and staff at all levels.
10. Ability to move casts.
11. Refined computer skills and/or familiarity with electronic medical records. Specifically minimum proficiency with MS Office products (i.e. Outlook, Excel, etc.) and adequate typing skills.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Manager, Clinical Operations - P&O

Working Conditions

• Normal patient care environment with exposure to dust, loud noises, offensive odors, fumes, and occasional extreme temperature.
• Exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
• Typical Physical/mental demands: 70% of this position is direct patient contact; 25% is comprised of fabrication, which includes, walking and bending; 5% is comprised of this position is clinical documentation, which may include sitting at a computer. Requires lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.

About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the first-ever "translational" research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together to advance Human Ability.

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 as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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