STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (Therapeutic Recreation) (40 Hour)

Recruitment #211001-6891FP-001

Introduction



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!

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. 

We, at the Southwestern Connecticut Mental Health System are currently recruiting for a Therapeutic Recreation, Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (PCN 129506), to work within an inpatient unit with our Rehabilitation Services Division. This role will be located at 1365 Central Avenue in Bridgeport. This position is first shift, full time, 40 hours per week. The work schedule is as follows:

  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Rotating Sundays and Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

  • Complete all rehabilitation therapy documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, group documentation and reassessments needed to meet joint commission guidelines;
  • Perform therapeutic recreation interventions designed to assist in meeting client goals and improving levels of overall functioning;
  • Explore local community recreational resources with clients while teaching life skills for inpatient clients;
  • Conduct vocational educational work program & coordinates educational opportunities through the recovery education center.
Rehabilitation Services are integrated throughout all programs and service locations, available to any consumer who is interested in the service. The RS division includes Supported Employment, Supported Education, Life Skills Training, and Peer Support services. Additionally, RS is overseeing the conversion of traditional Case Management and ACT programs to Community Support and Recovery Pathways (see page 4). These services are provided within the context of partnership, coaching, skill training, social network building, health maintenance, and the provision of assistance to attain an enriched living experience toward individual recovery. 

Our employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, and a retirement plan, as well as paid time off! We encourage a healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Selection Plan

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.

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

Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

As a reminder:

  • 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). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • All State employees shall follow the guidelines as listed in Executive Orders 13F (3a) and 13G (3a).

For more information, we encourage you to contact the recruiter for this position, Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov, (860) 924-7053.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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, SKILL AND ABILITY

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our ideal candidate will have experience:
  • Writing and implementing treatment plans.
  • Conducting individual and group activities.
  • Working in a behavioral health inpatient setting.
  • Recording and evaluating client and/or patient progress.
  • Interpreting evaluations in specialty areas.

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 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 may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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.

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.