Occupational Therapist

Introduction

Are you an Occupational Therapist looking to make a difference in the lives of children and their families in Connecticut? If so, we invite you to take this opportunity to join our team!


The State of Connecticut , Department of Children and Families ( DCF ) - is recruiting for one (1) part-time Occupational Therapist to join our Solnit South Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Middletown, CT.


Occupational Therapists at DCF offer a unique service that is not like any other. At our Solnit South PRTF, each Therapist is part of the treatment team, providing individual sessions and groups while strengthening connections to the clients.


Goals include individualized interventions in treatment plans, reflecting on the progress made during the Care Planning Meetings, providing guidance to the milieu on environmental and interpersonal responses for each child based on their sensory and emotional capacity.


This Occupational Therapist would be available during school and after-school hours to offer in vivo coaching and anticipatory guidance in order to decrease acting out behaviors and thus decrease restraints, elopements and AWOLs. It is essential that we have equitable services across all of Solnit's programs, for youth being treated. This position will report to the Rehabilitation Therapy Supervisor.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today to join our team as an Occupational Therapist and play a pivotal role in crafting the future of our community's healthcare. Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page to learn more about the benefits we offer.

Position Highlights:

• Part-time | 34 Hours per week
• Week 1 | Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm; Thursday 1:00 pm - 7:30 pm
• Week 2 | Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm; Thursday 1:00 pm - 7:30 pm

What we can offer you:

• View our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees!
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.

Who We Are:
At DCF our mission is partnering with communities and empowering families to raise resilient children who thrive. We are proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce who strive every day to meet the needs of those we encounter. Currently we are seeking individuals who are looking to advance their career and make a difference.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:


Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.


BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.
• Salary Calculations : For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
• Note : The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note : This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 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, available at

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:


Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Rocky Young at View email address on click.appcast.io

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

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 disabilities and/or an intellectual disability;
• 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 individual 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 their absence;
• May act as a consultant, advisor or resource person to other staff, programs or units;
• May attend conferences, individual 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;
  • anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neurology, neuroanatomy and individual and group dynamics as applied to occupational therapy;
  • 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;
  • utilize computer software.

CONSULTING:

• Considerable knowledge of
  • principles and practices of occupational therapy with emphasis on pediatrics;
  • adaptive equipment and its proper application;
• Knowledge of
  • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
  • concepts and practices of public health;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication 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 initiating life skills groups and developing group curriculums.
• Experience working with people with complex behavioral health and substance related concerns in a community-based setting.
• Experience conducting Occupational Therapy assessments in residential homes.
• Experience providing supervision to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant's (COTA) in a community-based setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• 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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT


As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.