Occupational Therapist (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Bridgeport, CT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring for an Occupational Therapist to join the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) at their Bridgeport, CT location. This role is part of the GB Young Adult Services unit and operates on a full-time, 40-hour per week schedule, first shift, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. DMHAS is a healthcare agency focused on promoting the overall health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through integrated services and supports. SWCMHS provides high-quality, compassionate, and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to indigent adults with behavioral health disorders. The system offers inpatient and outpatient clinical services, along with a wide range of supportive treatment services across three locations in Fairfield County.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation
Experience observing client behavior and using therapeutic strategies to redirect or support functional engagement
Experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field
Experience working with Microsoft Word and Excel to document, track, or manage clinical information
Experience using an Electronic Medical Record
Possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license
Experience with principles and practices of occupational therapy, individual and group dynamics as applied to occupational therapy, the use of adaptive equipment and its proper application, and in the overall application of occupational therapy techniques
Experience applying interpersonal, verbal and written communication to gain the interest, cooperation and confidence of young adult clients

Responsibilities

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 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 their 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.
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.