STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Occupational Therapist (40 Hour)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #230112-5971FP-001

Introduction



Are you looking to Make Your Impact in state service?
Do you want a chance to help those in need?
If so, we have a role for you!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a qualified individuals two Occupational Therapists (PCNs 26741, 75274) to join our team. These positions will support and be a part of our Inpatient Rehab program at the Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC).

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
  • Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
  • Work Shift: First shift, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive comprehensive benefits plan that includes:
  • Industry leading health benefits with medical and dental coverage
  • Generous paid time off, include 13 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings
  • Retirement healthcare offerings
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance!
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
  • Functioning as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team
  • Providing assessment, planning and application of professional occupational therapy (OT) for clients with severe and persistent mental illness complicated by substance abuse and legal issues
  • Providing individual and group instructions to clients in occupational therapy activities including but not limited to activities of daily living, independent living skills, sensorimotor skills and performance components, specialized assessments, and therapeutic adaptations including the clients' readiness for the next level of care
  • Developing relationships with community providers and have awareness of community resources in order to effectively provide input in the discharge planning process.
  • Assisting in providing coverage as needed across two Inpatient Service units and Transitional Living Program. 
  • Providing supervision and support for student internships programs – OTR, COTA, Therapeutic Recreational and Art Therapy
MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES:

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.

When it opened in 1966, CMHC was part of a new vision: to treat people with mental illness in their communities, to provide a place for researchers from many fields to find new treatments, and to teach professionals in the care of mental illness. The Connecticut Mental Health Center is an urban community mental health center with an exceptional tradition of serving individuals with serious mental illness.

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 Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov, 860-924-7053.
#INDHP

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

  • Experience working with individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders
  • Experience working independently in communities support clients, placements and affiliated agencies

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.

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.