STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (Therapeutic Recreation) (35 Hour)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #221201-6891HC-001

Introduction



ABOUT US
For over 140 years, the State of Connecticut, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has been caring for its veterans and their dependents. As a Department, we believe in "serving those who have served." This is accomplished through our: Office of Advocacy and Assistance, Residential Facility, Healthcare Center, and Cemetery and Burial Services.

The DVA has supported Connecticut Veterans and continues this tradition with Residential and Healthcare programming on our campus in Rocky Hill. There are two paths for residency at the DVA:
  • Residential Facility: offers temporary, supportive living with programming designed to return Connecticut Veterans to independent living in the community;
  • Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center: a state-of-the-art medical facility that offers long-term care for veterans with chronic, disabling conditions who require 24-hour assistance.
When you walk through the doors of the Healthcare Center (HCC), one immediately feels a sense of community, comfort, and camaraderie. The HCC stands apart from other 24-hour care centers with full time Physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses on staff. Our highly trained staff is dedicated to providing compassionate care to meet the unique needs of Veteran patients, built on the foundation of integrity, honor, and respect. We pride ourselves on fostering these qualities as we honor Veteran patients for their service and encourage the innate bond between them.

THE POSITION
DVA is recruiting for a Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (Therapeutic Recreation) to help support our agency and our Veterans.  This is a full-time, 35 hours per week, position with the following work schedule:

  • Tuesday 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In this role, 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.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
  • We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12* paid holidays per calendar year (*13 paid holidays beginning in 2023).
  • We encourage a strong work/life balance for all state employees.
  • We offer opportunities for professional and personal growth.
  • We have limitless areas for you to perform relevant and significant work.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • 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.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Pamela Rochette via email at Pamela.Rochette@ct.gov.
#INDLP

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 individuals with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Evaluates individual 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 intellectual, emotional or motor status of an individual; attends case conferences, actively participating in admission, treatment and discharge planning; observes, records and evaluates individual 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 specialty areas; requisitions and distributes supplies; adapts musical, art and recreational equipment used in designated discipline; may attend workshops and conferences; may transport and escort individuals to off grounds activities; may perform prevocational activities with individual; may participate in and plan special activities within community; may perform duties in individual home or community setting; may serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of principles and practices of the therapeutic recreation discipline; knowledge of physical and intellectual 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 specialty performing such activities as program evaluation, planning and application for individuals with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in the appropriate recognized therapeutic recreation discipline 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

  • Experience working with the Veteran population;
  • Experience working at a residential facility on a therapeutic recreational program;
  • Experience creating and facilitating programs and activities for Veteran residents;
  • Experience planning recreational community programming;
  • Experience using Microsoft Office products for reports.

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 individuals 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.