Stanford Health Care is currently recruiting for a full-time Hand Therapist (Occupational Therapist II) to join its rehabilitation team in Redwood City, California. This role focuses on specialized clinical care for patients with upper extremity conditions, requiring expertise in hand therapy, splinting, and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols to improve functional outcomes.
Clinical Requirements and Professional Scope
The Hand Therapist role at Stanford Health Care functions within the Occupational Therapy department, specifically targeting patients with complex hand and upper extremity injuries. According to the official Stanford Health Care careers portal, candidates must possess a valid Occupational Therapy license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
The position demands a high level of clinical proficiency in post-surgical rehabilitation, orthotic fabrication, and manual therapy techniques. Because this is an Occupational Therapist II designation, the hospital requires documented experience in hand rehabilitation. Clinicians in this role collaborate with orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons to manage patient recovery plans, ensuring that therapeutic interventions align with surgical outcomes and long-term functional goals.
Work Environment and Compensation Structure
Stanford Health Care operates its Redwood City clinical locations as hubs for specialized outpatient care. The position is designated as a full-time, 8-hour shift schedule. Compensation for occupational therapists in the Stanford system is determined by the collective bargaining agreements and institutional pay scales for allied health professionals.
As of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that occupational therapists in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metropolitan area—which includes Redwood City—earn some of the highest mean annual wages for the profession nationwide. Candidates should verify the specific salary range for the “Occupational Therapist II” classification during the formal application process, as these figures are adjusted based on years of experience, specialized certifications (such as a Certified Hand Therapist credential), and internal equity policies.
Pathways for Certification and Career Growth
For therapists aiming to advance their careers at Stanford, clinical specialization is a primary driver. The Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) oversees the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which requires 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy.
Stanford Health Care encourages staff to pursue professional development through its internal educational resources and clinical ladder programs. Occupational therapists working in high-acuity environments like Stanford’s outpatient clinics often engage in interdisciplinary grand rounds and research initiatives, which provide opportunities to contribute to the evolving standards of upper extremity care.
Key Considerations for Applicants
* Licensure: Must hold an active California license for Occupational Therapy.
* Specialization: Prior experience in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation is required for the Level II designation.
* Location: The position is based in Redwood City, serving the greater San Francisco Peninsula patient population.
* Application Process: All applications must be submitted through the official Stanford Health Care job portal to be considered by the recruitment team.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the full job description on the Stanford Health Care career site to confirm current availability and specific technical requirements before submitting their credentials.
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