Orthopedic Technician - Sports Medicine

About the role

Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) has served the community for more than 55 years, providing caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved persons. As one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, FHCSD operates more than 90 sites across San Diego County, including 29 primary care clinics, 23 behavioral health facilities, 10 physical rehabilitation clinics, nine dental clinics, five vision clinics, four outpatient substance use treatment programs, three mobile medical units, two mobile counseling centers, two urgent care centers, and a pharmacy. The organization serves over 227,000 patients annually, 91% of whom are low-income and 29% uninsured.

FHCSD is seeking an Orthopedic Technician to work with the Sports Medicine and Podiatry Cast Clinic, providing patient care and support services for patients requiring casts, braces, and splints. The role involves operation and maintenance of all equipment used in the application and removal of casts. The position splits duties: 70% Medical Assistant and 30% Orthopedic Technician.

Responsibilities

• Assist Physician in the treatment of injuries to bones and surrounding ligaments and tendons.
• Assist with orthopedic casting procedures to include the application and removal of a variety of casts and splints.
• Assist with routine examination and treatment procedures to include removing casts, cleaning wounds and applying dressings.
• Apply and remove all types of extremity casts and braces using plaster, synthetic materials and thermoplastics.
• Assist Physician in application of special casts, i.e., extremity casts, spicas, etc.
• Adjust and repair casts, braces, and splints.
• Use equipment needed for application, adjustment and repair of casts and braces, alignment jigs, hinge apparatus, etc.
• Apply all types of prefabricated soft goods, i.e., slings, braces, collars and immobilizers.
• Fit and adjust canes, crutches, and walkers, and give patient and/or significant other(s) instruction in the use of these aids.
• Set-up and maintain a sterile field for minor orthopedic procedures such as intra-articular injections, aspirations, and subcutaneous hardware removal.
• Keep cast room, storage area and procedure areas clean and orderly.
• Provide administrative support such as prepping clinics, maintaining patient records/charts, ensuring specialty equipment (i.e., cast saw), and supplies are available.
• Document/perform patient charting using appropriate documentation template, standard medical terminology, physical and emotional reactions, and general patient care.
• Enter information related to care rendered, and condition and progress of the patient.
• Review and compare clinic schedule with availability of bone films to ensure patient and films are available for clinic appointment.
• Document patient care data, and patient’s response to care in computerized patient record (E-HR).
• Check orthopedic equipment, perform safety checks, and provide direct feedback to nurses/MA’s, providers, and area Leadership when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency required.
• Certification as an Orthopedic Health Technologist required.
• Current American Heart Association healthcare provider CPR (BLS), or Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, or Advanced Resuscitation Training required.
• 1–2 years of experience as an Orthopedic Technician required.
• Traveling between sites and other locations is occasionally required. Must have a valid California driver’s license, an automobile, and proof of minimum levels of car insurance as required under California law (limits of $100,000 recommended). An acceptable driving record is also required. California law requires all drivers to obtain a valid California driver’s license within ten days of establishing residency. Reasonable accommodation may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Mileage and other reimbursement governed by policy.

Experience and specialized skills

• Experience in an outpatient orthopedic cast clinic or similar medical setting preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of methods, techniques, and the sequence undertaken in the development of casts and braces, to include knowledge of materials and their applications.
• Ability to provide direct patient care to patients requiring casts, braces, splints, and medical support to providers.
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal results to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures.
• Knowledge of body mechanics to ensure safety of patients.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA safety standards for blood borne pathogens and universal precaution techniques for protection from infections.
• Ability to perform basic patient care activities and accommodative services for assigned patients.
• Demonstrated ability in operation and maintenance of equipment used in the application and removal of casts, braces, splints, etc.
• Skill in using professional literature, evidence-based research and continuing education content in making patient care-related decisions.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Time Off, Extended Sick Leave and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, and Life Insurance
• Employee Discounts and Wellness Programs
• Additional benefits information available at FHCSD Wellness – Employee Hub

Pay

Salary range: $23.50 – $32.03 per hour

Schedule

Regular Part Time, 32 hours per week