Job Summary
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
This position designs and fits orthoses to enable clients to function better and improve their quality of life. Duties include receiving referrals, assessing clients’ needs, designing and/or selecting appropriate orthoses, fitting and adjusting orthoses, examining and evaluating existing orthoses and making recommendations for repair/replacement. The Orthotist collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, other health care providers and suppliers, promotes orthotic services, and maintains knowledge of current trends and new technology in the field of orthotics.
Duties/Accountabilities
- Assesses client needs by methods such as consulting with the client regarding needs, goals, objectives and extent of disability, and measuring the client to establish dimensions of the orthosis.
- Designs and/or selects appropriate orthosis by methods such as taking an impression of the appropriate body area, making a position mould and modifying the cast in accordance with anatomical and physiological requirements.
- Communicates with technical staff regarding fabrication requirements of orthoses and demonstrates fabrication procedures as necessary.
- Fits and adjusts the orthosis by methods such as meeting with the client and educating the client in the proper usage and care of the orthosis to ensure the client reaches the maximum potential and comfort level.
- Makes recommendations for repair and/or replacement of orthoses by methods such as examining and evaluating the orthosis to ensure client safety.
- Communicates with clients/families, other health team members and the community by methods such as receiving referrals, providing information to assist in making informed decisions, participating in interdisciplinary team meetings, and collaborating with team members in the planning, coordination and evaluation of client service.
- Prepares and maintains records by documenting assessment, recommendations, evaluation, modification(s), and clients’ goals to provide evidence and rationale that support findings. Completes reports such as workload statistics.
- Maintains knowledge of current equipment, technology and design techniques in the orthotics field by methods such as reviewing literature in specialty areas, consulting with clinical and community experts, manufacturers and dealers, and attending workshops and conferences.
- Participates in approved interdisciplinary research activities and special projects in collaboration with other health care professionals, through methods such as supporting research proposals, collecting data, integrating and interpreting data, summarizing information, and contributing to the dissemination of research findings.
- Promotes orthotic services by communicating the broad purpose and scope to clients and other members of the interdisciplinary team, participating in the development and review of policies and procedures, developing marketing materials focused on increased client awareness and contributing to the identification of service delivery needs to ensure quality client-centred care.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience
- Completion of recognized Orthotics Program and two years’ recent experience in a rehabilitation health care setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Certification in Orthotics from the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) and eligible for membership in the Canadian Association for Prosthetics and Orthotics (CAPO).
Skills And Abilities
- Ability to teach clients and others both one-on-one and in groups.
- Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and members of the interdisciplinary team using oral, written and computer-based communication methods.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve conflict.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively.
- Applies the problem-solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
- Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Meditech and Windows-based programs.
- Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools.
- Demonstrated ability in the use of e-mail and word processing.
- Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
