Occupational Therapist (Office/On-site)

State of Connecticut - Department of Children & Families; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families, is seeking a part-time Occupational Therapist to deliver therapy services at the Solnit South PRTF in Middletown. The position focuses on pediatric rehabilitation, daily living and functional skills in a residential setting, with a strong emphasis on family involvement.

Responsibilities include planning and implementing OT programs, collaborating with the treatment team, maintaining records, and contributing to staff training.

Qualifications

• Licensed Occupational Therapist in Connecticut.
• Experience with pediatrics or residential settings preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional occupational therapy services to residents.
• Collaborate with treatment team to plan and implement therapy.
• Maintain records and prepare progress reports on individuals.
• Participate in training and family education sessions.

Skills

Occupational therapy

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Team collaboration

Computer literacy

Tools

Computer software

Job description

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.

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.

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;
• Assess 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.