Orthotist Assistant - Great GAP Year & Patient Care Experience

National Scoliosis Center is 100% dedicated to non-operative, evidence-based treatment of scoliosis and spinal disorders. Our team of professionals use techniques including Rigo Cheneau style bracing, Schroth physical therapy, low-dose X-rays, patient education, and emotional support. Since we are scoliosis specialists, we are active participants with international scoliosis communities such as SOSORT and SRS, and frequently travel internationally to present and to learn. NSC is honored to partner with the top Orthopedists in the region, working together to provide the best possible treatment for our patients.

For a better idea of who we are and what we do please visit our website nationalscoliosiscenter.com and find us on social media @nationalscoliosiscenter.

Please see below for more details about the position.

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Position/Job Title: Assistant Orthotist / Technician

Reports to: Owner / Chief Orthotist

Department/Location: Fairfax, VA (primary); with possible 2-4 days per month in Towson, MD

Status: Part-time OR Full-time – Monday – Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm, occasional overtime (evening or Saturday hours)

Compensation: Starting Pay Range = $18-$22 / hour; Benefits package includes Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K contribution, PTO accrual, paid holidays, and travel reimbursement

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Orthotist / Technician is responsible for assisting the Certified Orthotists with brace fabrication, general operations, and providing direct care to patients. This individual will help ensure excellent patient care is provided, business operations run smoothly, and the organization’s goals and objectives are achieved. This position is ideal for college seniors or recent graduates who would like to gain experience (part-time or full-time) before applying to healthcare graduate schools. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist Certified Orthotists (CO) with patient care and the following tasks:

• Evaluate patient x-ray, perform scan for custom fit brace, obtain patient measurements, and select appropriate design
• Modify custom brace for final delivery
• Ensure satisfactory fit, comfort with patient, and proper mechanical operation of brace
• Educate the patient and family on the bracing process and wearing and caring for their brace
• Maintain proper records regarding patient care, which includes notes and documentation for each appointment
• Fabricate braces - carving of foam blocks / molds, pulling plastic for braces, trimming braces, cutting pads, cutting straps, and preparing molds and other materials

SECONDARY / ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with development of weekly fabrication schedule; ensure all scans and paperwork are prepared in a timely manner for CO to review and modify
• Track inventory, order and process materials needed for brace fabrication from various vendors (i.e.: plastic, foam blocks, plaster, straps, transfer patterns, trash bags, boxes, etc.)
• Process and receive orders, submit invoices, and bill and track payments from outside companies; follow up on outstanding balances and communicate status to accounts payable and orthotists
• Assist with managing new patient intake process, talking with prospective new patients and their families regarding individual patient care program, and other administrative tasks
• Organize and clean lab, sweep floors, clean screens, restock supplies, and other maintenance duties
• Perform additional duties and assist with other tasks as needed

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• General knowledge of anatomy, scoliosis, and/or orthotics
• Strong knowledge of clinical and medical terminology
• Compassion and calming demeanor; Ability to connect and provide a level of emotional comfort to patients and their families
• Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to situations, and patient and staff needs
• Intellectual curiosity and desire to learn new tasks and techniques
• Ability to independently complete assigned tasks
• Basic patient care and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, organization skills, and ability to effectively manage tasks and assignments with competing priorities and deadlines
• Ability to travel occasionally between Fairfax, Virginia and Towson, Maryland offices
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented work environment
• Strong service orientation and growth mindset
• Technical hand skills will be taught – experience with power tools and other equipment is a plus

EDUCATION REQUIRED 

• Bachelor’s degree (medical related field preferred)
• Additional education is a plus
• CPR and/or OSHA certification or training is a plus

TECHNICAL SKILLS 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Experience with Electronic Medical Record Systems (AdvancedMD or Epic, for example) is a plus