Introduction
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, Whiting Forensic Hospital specializes in providing inpatient services to individuals
involved in the criminal justice system. The hospital consists of 91 maximum
security beds and 138 enhanced security beds.
Services are provided to individuals who are admitted under the
following categories: Psychiatric Security Review Board commitment, Criminal
court order for restoration of competency to stand trial, civil commitment
(voluntary or involuntary) and Transfer from the Department of Correction
(during period of incarceration or at end of sentence). Discharge options are
dependent on legal status and the purpose of admission.
Whiting Forensic Hospital seeks an experienced and
qualified individual for the position of Rehabilitation Therapist 2 (ART) (PCN
24151). This position is located within
the Recovery Services Unit at Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, CT. This is a full-time, thirty-seven and a half
(37.50) hour per week position. The work
schedule is, as follows: Tuesday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and
Friday/Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. May be required to work a non-standard
work week and holidays. This is a Hazardous Duty position.
Are you a self-starter? Do you have a passion for
supporting others? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a
dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we
have an excellent opportunity for you to join our hospital’s team.
In this role you will:
- Provide Art Therapy groups for both Dutcher Service and Whiting Maximum Security Service patients;
- Plan schedule of individual and group programs in art therapy for maximum secure units and semi-secure units;
- Provide individual support and program planning to meet patient specific goals and needs to include one on one support in addition to group programming;
- Transport individuals to and from activities on and off grounds;
- Works with treatment teams to assist in meeting treatment plan goals;
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, treatment teams, level reviews and discharge meetings.
State of Connecticut employees participate in a
competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan
as well as paid time off.
Please ensure that your application is complete as you
will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the
JobAps system.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to
Julianne Wheeler, DMHAS HR, (860) 262-5868 or Julianne.Wheeler@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state
facility this class is accountable for the planning, administration,
implementation and evaluation of professional therapy programs in a recognized
therapeutic discipline for individuals with physical, intellectual and
emotional disabilities.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Selects, plans,
administers and implements a therapeutic program by utilizing a specific
therapy function to teach skills to correct disorders in intellectual,
emotional or motor status of an individual; writes and implements treatment
plans; plans, schedules and conducts individual and group activities; actively
participates in admission, treatment and discharge planning of an individual;
participates in interdisciplinary team meetings presenting cases and discussing
future treatment goals and objectives for an individual; participates in
institutional, professional and community groups and/or task forces;
participates in staff meetings and on interdisciplinary committees; trains and
supervises staff and individuals in application of a specific discipline;
provides in-service training to other staff; attends and participates in
workshops and conferences; gathers and uses data from observation and
diagnostic tests to develop goals and new activities; coordinates therapy services
with other disciplines such as occupational or physical therapy; selects
appropriate materials and implements a therapeutic program to meet needs of individual;
maintains and orders equipment; observes, records and evaluates individual
progress; may transport and escort individuals to community functions; may
teach direct care and paraprofessional staff in application of a specific
therapy; may make adaptive equipment; may serve as a Qualified Intellectual
Disabilities Professional; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable
knowledge of principles and practices of a designated therapeutic discipline;
knowledge of physical, and intellectual disorders; knowledge of individual and
group dynamics; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and
written communication skills; skill in evaluating individual needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Incumbents
in this class must possess and maintain a license to practice art therapy as
issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in accordance with the
applicable Connecticut General Statutes. A temporary license may be granted for
a period not to exceed one (1) year.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1)
year of professional experience in a rehabilitation art therapy program
performing such activities as program evaluation, planning and application for individuals
with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Note: For state employees this will be interpreted as one (1) year of
experience at the level of Rehabilitation Therapist 1 or its equivalent.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a certificate as a Water Safety Instructor (W.S.I.), and/or lifesaving (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 the use of American Sign Language in certain positions.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in
this class may be exposed to some danger of injury and moderately disagreeable
conditions while providing treatment to individuals.
Conclusion
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.