Occupational Therapist (40 Hour) (Office/On-Site) - #251204-5971FP-001

Connecticut; Norwich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A state health agency in Norwich is seeking a Licensed Occupational Therapist to deliver professional occupational therapy services. The role involves administering therapy programs and supporting young adults facing mental health and substance use disorders. Candidates must be licensed in Connecticut and possess strong interpersonal skills. This full-time position offers opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative team environment, emphasizing the importance of improving clients' lives.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Healthy work/life balance

Qualifications

• Must maintain licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Connecticut.
• Experience working with young adults is preferred.
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment and public health concepts.

Responsibilities

• Administers occupational therapy programs for clients with physical or intellectual disabilities.
• Consults with supervisors and other professionals regarding treatment plans.
• Coordinates occupational therapy services with other disciplines.

Skills

Knowledge of principles and practices of occupational therapy

Interpersonal and communication skills

Computer software proficiency

Education

Licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Connecticut

Job description

Introduction

Are you a Licensed Occupational Therapist? If so, we have an excellent opportunity to join our hospital’s team! THE POSITION: The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our team.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS: SCHEDULE: Full‑Time (40 Hours), First Shift (8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.), Monday – Friday
FACILITY: Southeast Mental Health Authority (SMHA) UNIT: Young Adult Services (YAS) ADDRESS: 401 West Thames Street, Unit 301, Norwich, CT PCN: 26159
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU: Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page! Professional growth and development opportunities. A healthy work/life balance!
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO: • Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals;
• Provide support 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; and
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.

About Us

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. SMHA is a community mental health agency operated by DMHAS. Its primary goal is to provide high quality behavioral health services to those in our community with mental health and substance use disorders who are 18 years or older and reside in New London County and its surrounding towns. Services, which include case management, outpatient behavioral health, crisis intervention, respite care, and forensic services, are recovery oriented and offered in a trauma‑informed and culturally sensitive manner. We support individuals to identify and achieve their own goals in recovery, fostering independence, dignity, and ability. Please note: A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit 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 closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits toward qualification, the institution must be accredited.
• Resume Policy: 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 (cover letter, transcripts, diplomas, etc.).
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all locations and shifts 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. 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 [e-mail].
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable across branches of state government.
AFTER YOU APPLY: • Referral Questions may be required.
• Prepare for Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to make a good impression.
• Track Status: Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email for updates and tasks.
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 www.ct.gov/ethics.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

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

Examples of Duties

• Selects, plans, administers and implements occupational therapy programs for training of individuals with physical disabilities and/or intellectual disability.
• Administers individual and group instructions in activities of daily living, independent living skills, sensorimotor skills, psychosocial skill and performance components, therapeutic adaptations and specialized assessments.
• Determines and carries out treatment and activities consistent with physician prescription; assesses educational needs.
• Organizes new projects and methods; serves as a member of the treatment team.
• Consults with supervisor, physicians and other professionals regarding reactions, progress and treatment plans.
• Recommends changes in treatment and participates in training programs for staff and students.
• Attends workshops and conferences; instructs individuals and parents on treatments for home and treatment center.
• Creates adaptive equipment, maintains records and prepares reports on patient care and administrative matters.
• Coordinates occupational therapy services with other disciplines (physical, speech, rehabilitative therapies).
• Orders and requisitions supplies; coordinates volunteer efforts; may escort individuals on community trips or perform duties in home/community settings.
• May act as supervisor or consultant to staff, programs or units; may maintain inventory; may serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

Clinical: Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of occupational therapy; anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neurology, neuroanatomy, individual and group dynamics; adaptive equipment application; interpersonal and communication skills; skill in applying occupational therapy techniques; ability to gain cooperation and confidence of individuals; computer software proficiency.

Consulting: Extensive knowledge of occupational therapy with emphasis on pediatrics; adaptive equipment; state and federal laws; public health concepts; interpersonal and communication skills; computer software proficiency.

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 applicable Connecticut General Statutes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with young adults.
• Experience working with clients/patients with mental health and substance use disorders.

Special Requirements

• May be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in American Sign Language.
• May be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• May be required to travel.

Working Conditions

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

Conclusion – 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.