Orthopedic Technician - Spanish Speaking Preferred (Open)

Note: The "Ideal Candidate" description was amended on March 1, 2018.

Note: This recruitment schedule was amended on February 15, 2018 to extend the Final Filing Date.  This recruitment has been changed to "Continuous."

The County of San Mateo Health System is seeking two (2) experienced Orthopedic Technicians to fill one (1) Regular Full-Time position, and one (1) Extra Help Part-Time position in the San Mateo Medical Center.

The successful hires will work in the Specialty Clinics. Duties will include, under general supervision of a Charge Nurse, apply and remove plaster or fiberglass casts and splints on patients with fractures, sprains or torn muscles; order supplies; maintain cast working area; assist the supervising physician or nurse as needed; and assist with simple surgical procedures in other clinics and with admission and screening of patients.

The ideal candidate will:

• have two years of experience in a hospital, institution, nursing home or private practice setting as an orthopedic technician;
• knowledge of standard sterile techniques and principles/methods used in preparing, applying and removing casts;
• Orthopedic Technologist and CPR certifications strongly preferred;
• the ability to interact and communicate effectively with staff and patients and work productively and independently with minimal supervision;
• experience working in a fast-paced clinic with a diverse population and the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes;
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred but not required.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Apply and remove casts as instructed by the physician.
• Arrange X-rays.
• Keep cast cart stocked with supplies and equipment; order casting and other supplies.
• Operate specialized cast equipment including electric cast cutting saw, cast spreader.
• Apply and remove traction equipment and casts to avoid injury or deformity.
• Keep cast working area clean and orderly.
• Prepare patients and equipment for simple surgical procedures and assists physician who performs them.
• Instruct patients in care and possible dangers of casts.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Standard sterile techniques.
• Patient care and nursing.
• Anatomy and physiology, particularly muscle and bone structure.
• Principles, methods, materials and tools used in preparing, applying and removing plaster casts.
• Hospital routine and organization.

• Exert sufficient physical strength to hold casts during applying period.
• Learn to use tools such as cast spreaders and electric cast saws.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle, apply and remove plaster cast materials, and assist with surgical procedures.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Deal effectively with hospital staff and patients.

Anyone may apply. All supplemental questions must be completed in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100 %).  Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. 

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement.
 
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
  
Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

~ TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE ~
Final Filing Date: February 20, 2018 at 11:59 PM
Application Screening:  Week of February 26, 2018
Panel Interviews: Week of March 5, 2018