Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapist or Certified Hand Therapist - Up To $10K Bonus Available
Company : Select Medical
Location : Westernport, MD, 21562-2234
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Full-Time Certified Hand Therapist / Occupational TherapistSpecialties: Outpatient Orthopedics & Assisted Living FacilityLocation: NovaCare Rehabilitation – Westernport, MarylandCompensation: Starting at $85,000Incentives: Up to $10,000 sign-on bonus and/or ongoing student loan assistance
NovaCare Rehabilitation in Westernport Maryland, is seeking a full-time Occupational Therapist / Hand Therapist to join our dynamic outpatient orthopedic and aquatics team. This is an excellent opportunity for a clinician passionate about upper extremity care and looking to grow within a supportive, collaborative environment.
While a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation is preferred, it is not required. Candidates must have prior outpatient orthopedic experience. New grads with strong clinical rotations in hand therapy are encouraged to apply.
About the Role:
You’ll treat a diverse caseload of upper extremity conditions, including:
- Tendon injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Post-operative fractures
- Other orthopedic and neurological conditions
We are especially seeking a therapist skilled in custom splinting. You’ll work closely with our Regional Hand Therapy Coordinator to ensure you have the tools, mentorship, and support needed to succeed.
Schedule:
- 32–40 hours/week, Monday through Friday
- Two evenings per week until 7:00 PM
- Last patient scheduled one hour before end of shift
Why Join Our Nationwide Hand Therapy Team?
- National Hand Therapy Program with over 600 active hand therapists and CHTs
- Education & Development:
- National Upper Extremity Symposium
- Journal clubs and CHT study groups
- Free in-person and online CEUs
- Webinar training and advanced certification opportunities (e.g., UE COMT)
- Collaboration:
- Local and virtual hand therapy team meetings
- Opportunities to contribute to specialty program development
- Fully Equipped Clinics to support a wide range of treatment options
Full-Time Benefits (32+ hours/week):
- Multiple affordable health plan options (PPO & HSA through BC/BS)
- Company-matching 401(k)
- Generous PTO, paid holidays, and paid sick time
- Employee discounts on entertainment, mobile services, pet insurance, and more
Interested? Let’s connect!
Shanel GreenSr. Regional Recruiter – Outpatient DivisionTalent Acquisition Manager(610) 223-5944ssgreen@selectmedical.com
Responsibilities
- Best Practices: Stay current and up to date with Occupational Therapy research and employ Evidence Based Practice (RCB, clinician expertise, patient perception).
- Build Relationships: Enhance, develop and expand relationships with referral sources and maintain a positive level of interaction with centers and patients.
- Collaborative Approach: Develop objective patient goals and establish the type, frequency and duration of occupational therapy in collaboration with the referring physician.
- High Standard of Care: Understand appropriate state Practice Act and adhere to the laws that govern how OTs may practice and whom they may supervise.
- Innovative Opportunities: Participate in the design and implementation of new programs or procedures with the approval of the manager and referring physicians per HIPPA guidelines.
- Leadership: Supervise and delegate occupational therapy care for each patient within the guidelines of state rules and federal regulations.
- Personalized Treatment: Provide comprehensive and individualized treatment programs and demonstrate completion of patient care responsibilities and documentation requirements in an appropriate and timely manner.
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited school for occupational therapy
- State Occupational Therapist license (or license eligible)
- CPR certification
- Valid state driver’s license
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
Westernport's demand for certified hand therapists is steadily growing due to an aging population and orthopedic needs. Applicants can expect a moderately competitive field, but strong outpatient orthopedic experience and custom splinting skills can significantly improve hiring chances in this region.
Maryland requires a valid state occupational therapist license, but having a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential is highly respected in outpatient orthopedics. While not mandatory, CHT designation can enhance job prospects and demonstrate specialized expertise in hand therapy.
Occupational therapists focusing on hand therapy in Westernport can access advanced training via regional symposiums and mentorship programs. The role offers chances to lead specialty program development and participate in innovative treatment designs, fostering significant professional advancement locally.
A Certified Hand Therapist at Select Medical manages diverse upper extremity cases, including tendon injuries and post-operative care. They collaborate closely with physicians, provide custom splinting, supervise therapy plans, and actively engage with referral networks to ensure comprehensive patient recovery.
Select Medical provides competitive base pay starting at $85,000 with up to $10,000 sign-on bonuses. Benefits include multiple health plans, company-matching 401(k), generous PTO, and continuous professional development through free CEUs and specialty training opportunities.
Select Medical fosters certification growth by offering mentorship from a regional hand therapy coordinator, access to journal clubs, webinars, and national symposiums. This supportive environment empowers therapists to pursue CHT credentials and expand their clinical expertise.
Starting salaries at Select Medical align competitively with Maryland’s median for hand therapists, around $85,000 annually. Coupled with up to $10,000 bonuses and loan assistance, this package stands out against typical regional compensation for similar outpatient therapy roles.
Evening hours twice weekly are customary in Westernport outpatient settings to accommodate patient needs. Occupational Therapists often work 32–40 hours per week, balancing routine days with extended hours, which helps provide accessibility and maintain work-life balance.
New grads should highlight hands-on experience from clinical rotations in hand therapy, proficiency in custom splinting, and familiarity with upper extremity orthopedic conditions. Demonstrating eagerness to learn and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams also boosts candidacy.
While full-time roles dominate Westernport’s occupational therapy job market, occasional contract opportunities arise, especially for hand therapy specialists. Contract positions may appeal to therapists seeking flexible scheduling or specific project-based engagements in outpatient orthopedic care.