Occupational Therapist (35 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 intergrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.  

The DMHAS, Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) is currently recruiting for an Occupational Therapist, Outpatient - Copmmunity Services Network, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT.  This position is 1st shift, full time, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.    

As an Occupational Therapist you will be assigned to the outpatient Ambulatory Rehab Services unit that serves clients with psychiatric diagnoses and substance abuse issues. 

You will:

• Work with a multidisciplinary team participating in the development of comprehensive treatment plans;
• Conduct initial occupational evaluations, and weekly progress notes;
• Conduct individual and group interventions and document progress towards goals in the treatment plan;
• Develop and maintain reports and documentation related to client care and able to communicate feedback to the treatment team in oral and written form;
• Develop relationships with community providers and have awareness of community resources in order to effectively give input to the discharge planning process;
• Lead or co-lead groups for clients and/or families as assigned. 

NOTE: Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application.  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.  Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.   

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Donna Zwilling, MHA-DMHAS-Recruitment@ct.gov. (203) 974-7634 

In a state facility this class is accountable for providing professional occupational therapy services for persons with physical, mental and/or intellectual disabilities.

CLINICAL: Selects, plans, administers and implements occupational therapy programs for training of persons with mental, physical and/or intellectual disabilities; administers individual and group instructions to clients in various occupational therapies including but not limited to activities of daily living, independent living skills, sensorimotor skills and performance components, psychosocial skill and performance components, therapeutic adaptations and specialized assessments; determines and carries out treatment and activities for individual clients consistent with physician prescription; assesses clients educational needs; organizes new projects and methods; serves as a member of the treatment team; consults with supervisor, physicians and other professionals regarding client reactions, progress and treatment plans; recommends changes in individual client treatment; participates in training programs for professional and paraprofessional staff and students/interns gaining clinical experience; attends and participates in workshops and conferences; instructs and demonstrates to clients and parents treatments to be carried on in a treatment center and at home; makes adaptive equipment; maintains records and prepares reports on client care and administrative matters; coordinates occupational therapy services with other disciplines such as physical, speech and rehabilitative therapies; orders, requisitions and distributes supplies and materials; coordinates efforts of volunteers; may escort clients on trips into community; may perform duties in clients home or community settings; may act as supervisor in his/her absence; may act as a consultant, advisor or resource person to other staff, programs or units; may attend conferences, client study meetings and clinics; may maintain inventory; may serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP); performs related duties as required.

CONSULTING: Provides consultative services to public and private agencies in an assigned region of state or on a statewide basis with emphasis on pediatrics; instructs professionals, paraprofessionals, patients and/or clients and family members in appropriate way to carry out therapeutic program and encourages self care at home; develops, supervises and operates therapeutic clinics or programs in an assigned area of state; assists in development of educational materials and procedural manuals; assists in evaluation of services and procedures being purchased by state or being rendered by state run facilities; prepares and presents educational material for inservice training programs; assists in recruitment and orientation of professional staff; prepares growth and development tests; assists in planning and participates in special research studies; prepares reports of activities and maintains patient and/or client records; may provide direct service to patients and/or clients; performs related duties as required.

CLINICAL: Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of occupational therapy; considerable knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neurology, neuroanatomy and individual and group dynamics as applied to occupational therapy; considerable knowledge of adaptive equipment and its proper application; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; skill in application of occupational therapy techniques; ability to gain interest, cooperation and confidence of clients; ability to utilize computer software.

CONSULTING: Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of occupational therapy with emphasis on pediatrics; considerable knowledge of adaptive equipment and its proper application; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; basic knowledge of concepts and practices of public health; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to utilize computer software.

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain licensure as a Occupational Therapist issued by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in the use of American Sign Language in certain designated positions.
   
2. Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
   
3. Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to danger of injury and to moderately disagreeable conditions while providing treatment to clients/patients.

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.