Vail Health Hospital logo
Vail Health Hospital
Basalt, Colorado

Certified Hand Therapist- PRN

CounselorIncludes callPer Diem

Listed compensation

$45.95–$63.41 /hr

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 3mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Vail Health has become the world’s most advanced mountain healthcare system. Vail Health consists of an updated 520,000-square-foot, 56-bed hospital. This state-of-the-art facility provides exceptional care to all of our patients, with the most beautiful views in the area, located centrally in Vail. Learn more about Vail Health here.

Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) – PRN

About the Opportunity

Vail Health is seeking a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)—either an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist—to support patients with upper extremity conditions through specialized, medically prescribed hand therapy. This role is responsible for delivering high‑quality clinical care and coordinating all aspects of the hand therapy program.

This is a PRN (as‑needed) position and is eligible for a 16% PRN differential.

What You Will Do

Evaluate, plan, and provide treatment for patients with upper extremity injuries or conditions to help them regain function or adapt to limitations.

Deliver patient‑centered care by interpreting evaluations and test results, and coordinating treatment plans with physicians, physician assistants, and athletic trainers.

Monitor patient progress, recommend adjustments to therapy plans, and document evaluations, goals, treatments, and outcomes in accordance with facility standards.

Support patients returning to work by collaborating with physicians, employers, and case managers; identifying potential challenges; and recommending job site accommodations.

  • Fabricate custom thermoplastic orthoses and educate patients on proper wear, use, and care.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation and billing for all patient encounters.
  • Assist in developing hand therapy protocols, participate in continuing education, and contribute to in‑service training for clinical staff.
  • Support student program development and provide training to students.
  • Manage hand therapy inventory and order necessary supplies for the clinic.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as certification requirements.
  • Maintain HIPAA compliance and perform additional duties as assigned.

This job description reflects the general nature and level of responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of all duties or working conditions.

What You Will Need

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of experience and 4,000 hours of practice in Hand Therapy required.
  • Must demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
  • Licenses
  • Licensed Occupational Therapist in the State of Colorado
  • OR
  • Licensed Physical Therapist in the State of Colorado or valid Compact Privilege
  • AND
  • Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)

Certifications

Basic Life Support (BLS) required

Computer / Typing Skills

  • Must possess, or obtain within 90 days, the computer skills necessary to complete online learning modules, access policies and forms, and complete benefits enrollment.
  • Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Education

  • No additional education requirements listed.
  • PRN (POOL) benefits include: Wellbeing reimbursement funds and 403(b) contribution eligibility.
  • Pay is based upon relevant education and experience per hour.

Hourly Pay

$45.95—$63.41 USD

Key Responsibilities

Evaluate and provide specialized treatment for patients with upper extremity injuries to restore function and adapt to limitations. Coordinate care with physicians and manage the hand therapy program, including orthoses fabrication and clinical documentation.

Requirements

Requires a CHT credential and a valid Occupational or Physical Therapy license in Colorado. Minimum of 5 years of experience and 4,000 hours of practice in hand therapy are mandatory.

Qualifications

Experience
5+ years of experience

Key Skills

Upper Extremity RehabilitationPatient EvaluationThermoplastic Orthoses FabricationPatient EducationTreatment PlanningInterdisciplinary Coordination

Counselor Career Context

Of the 40 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 60% are remote, 15% have no call, 75% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Colorado is 103.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 60.9% of Colorado clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top contract/1099 Counselor Jobs

40 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution21 jobs · 20 employers

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks21 jobs · 20 employers

401k / retirement match
95% this job
Loan repayment
48%
CME allowance
48% this job
PSLF eligible
38%
Sign-on bonus
19%

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 20% of Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 8,035 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes call

Living in Basalt

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$1.75M
Median resident rent
$2,257/mo
Residents’ average commute
27 min
State income tax
Up to 4.4%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Vail Health Hospital logo

About Vail Health Hospital

Hospitals and Health Care
Vail, Colorado
501-1,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

16% PRN differential
Wellbeing reimbursement funds
403(b) contribution eligibility