Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (Therapeutic Recreation) (40 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.    

The DMHAS, Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) is currently recruiting for a Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (Therapeutic Recreation) (PCN 121731) in Young Adult Services (YAS), outpatient. The RT1 will  teach YAS clients recovery skills to improve daily functioning, plan, schedule and conduct individual and group educational, cultural and social rehabilitation activities to improve and enhance recovery skills and client functioning. The position will also collaborate in program budget planning and facilitate rehabilitation related client support fund spending, transport and escort YAS clients to community functions, assess and evaluate YAS clients functioning by a review of case history, will collaborate on treatment plans and risk assessments, documents services, therapeutic notes and YAS client progress per agency policies in a timely manner. SWCMHS YAS is designed to provide age appropriate, clinical and residential support services to young adults with behavioral health disorders between the ages of 18-25, providing intensive recovery oriented services that take into account developmental processes, the impact of traumas, and family issues. 

This position is located at Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center, 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610.  This is a full-time position, 40 hours.  The work schedule is 1st shift, Tuesday through Saturday: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,  Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

The SWCMHS, with three locations throughout Fairfield County, promotes and administers comprehensive recovery oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs and outpatient clinical services, as well as a wide range of additional supportive treatment services.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.

At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Arnetia Douglas at Arnetia.Douglas@ct.gov or (203) 551-7633.   

In a state facility this class is accountable for the evaluation, planning and application of a recognized therapeutic discipline to provide treatment for persons with mental, emotional and physical disabilities.

Evaluates client and/or patient level of functioning by assessing behavior and reviewing medical, social and emotional case histories; writes and implements treatment plans using a specific modality; conducts individual and group activities, consulting with other professionals and selecting appropriate techniques and materials to teach skills to correct disorders in mental, emotional or motor status of a client and/or patient; attends case conferences, actively participating in admission, treatment and discharge planning; observes, records and evaluates client and/or patient progress; participates in or assists in conducting training programs for staff therapists and rehabilitation and nursing students; uses data from observation and diagnostic evaluations to develop goals and new activities; administers and interprets evaluations in speciality areas; requisitions and distributes supplies; adapts musical, art and recreational equipment used in designated discipline; may attend workshops and conferences; may transport and escort clients to off grounds activities; may perform prevocational activities with client and/or patient; may participate in and plan special activities within community; may perform duties in client and/or patient home or community setting; may serve as a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and practices of a designated therapeutic discipline; knowledge of physical, mental and psychosocial disorders; knowledge of individual and group dynamics; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; skill in application of therapeutic techniques.

Four (4) years of professional experience in the appropriate professional rehabilitation therapy program speciality performing such activities as program evaluation, planning and application for persons with mental, emotional and physical disabilities.

College training in the appropriate recognized therapeutic discipline indicated by the parenthetical title may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a certificate as a Water Safety Instructor (W.S.I.), and/or life saving (CPR, First Aid) from the American Red Cross.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in use of American sign language in certain positions.
3. Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some danger of injury and to moderately disagreeable job conditions while providing treatment to persons with disabilities.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.