STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Occupational Therapist (40 Hour)

Recruitment #210723-5971FP-001

Introduction



Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector?

The Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) seeks a qualified individual for the position of Occupational Therapist (PCN 26159)! The position is within our Young Adult Services Division, located at 401 West Thames Street, Norwich, CT. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. The work schedule is first shift, 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, holidays and weekends off.

We at SMHA are committed to providing recovery oriented, high quality, value driven mental health and addiction services to the community of Southeastern Connecticut.

 You will discover the opportunity to:
  • Engage in a rewarding career;
  • Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
  • Assist our clients so they can achieve success;
  • Make a difference in the public sector;
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment.
Young Adult Services (YAS) is designed to help young adults (ages 18 to 25) transition successfully from the Department of Children and Families to the adult mental health system and to achieve the necessary skills for adulthood. The YAS Program is multi-disciplinary in nature and consists of a prescriber, social workers, nurses, case managers, occupational therapy staff, rehabilitative/recreational therapy staff, and vocational staff.

Our mission at 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.

Our employees participate in a generous and competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off!

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error. 

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however applications to this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the job class.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Chanhda.Ly@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state facility this class is accountable for providing professional occupational therapy services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

CLINICAL: Selects, plans, administers and implements occupational therapy programs for training of individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities; administers individual and group instructions to individuals 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 individuals consistent with physician prescription; assesses individuals educational needs; organizes new projects and methods; serves as a member of the treatment team; consults with supervisor, physicians and other professionals regarding individual reactions, progress and treatment plans; recommends changes in individuals 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 individuals and parents treatments to be carried on in a treatment center and at home; makes adaptive equipment; maintains records and prepares reports on individuals 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 individuals on trips into community; may perform duties in individuals 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, individuals 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, individuals 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 in-service 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 individuals records; may provide direct service to individuals; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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 individuals; 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our preferred candidate will have:

  • Work with individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders;
  • Work with young adults Ages 18 - 25;
  • Work independently in communities supporting clients, placements and affiliated agencies;
  • Experience facilitating committees or workgroups; facilitating in-services and trainings, including train-the-trainer models;  
  • Experience facilitating courageous conversations; 
  • Experience facilitating and leading diversity, equity and inclusion activities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  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 may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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