Physical Therapist (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Bridgeport, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a compassionate and skilled Physical Therapist to provide rehabilitative care to individuals receiving inpatient behavioral health services. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in a setting where mobility and functional independence are essential to recovery. 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. The vision of the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System is to provide high quality, compassionate and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to adults with behavioral health disorders who are indigent.

Requirements

Must possess and maintain licensure as a Physical Therapist issued by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes.
Knowledge of principles and practices of physical therapy.
Knowledge of applied anatomy, physiology and kinesiology.
Knowledge of concepts and practices in public health.
Considerable interpersonal skills.
Oral and written communication skills.
Skill in administering competent treatments and diagnostic tests.
Ability to instruct others in principles and practices of physical therapy.
Ability to gain confidence, interest and cooperation of individuals with an intellectual disability or other developmental disabilities.
Ability to utilize computer software.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a foreign language or proficiency in the use of American Sign Language in certain designated positions.
Possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
Travel may be required.

Responsibilities

Assess and treat physical impairments by evaluating mobility, strength, posture, and functional ability through observation and diagnostic tests.
Develop individualized treatment plans and design therapeutic exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.
Provide hands-on care using manual therapy techniques and functional training for activities of daily living (ADLs) such as walking, climbing stairs, and transfers.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans.
Educate patients and staff on safe movement techniques, injury prevention, and the proper use of assistive devices.
Monitor progress and adjust interventions to ensure optimal outcomes, while documenting evaluations and treatments per facility protocols.
Selects, plans and administers a physical therapy program for rehabilitation of individuals with an intellectual disability or other developmental disabilities.
Arranges individual treatment schedules for habilitation and rehabilitation.
Refers individuals to other disciplines such as speech or hearing for further assessment.
Selects diagnostic tools.
Provides in-service training to staff on physical therapy practices.
Serves as a consultant or clinical advisor to other staff, programs or units.
Coordinates physical therapy services with other disciplines such as occupational and rehabilitation therapy.
Leads unit staff meetings to discuss individual progress and treatment plans.
Performs diagnostic tests to determine individual level of functioning.
Writes and implements treatment plans.
Applies physical properties of heat, cold, light, water and electricity in individual treatment.
Presents individual cases at interdisciplinary team meetings.
Participates in an extensive program of physical therapeutic activities including corrective exercise and muscle training.
Transports and escorts individuals to clinics for consultation with physician regarding treatment and individual progress.
Teaches and supervises physical therapy techniques to parents, assistants and direct care staff and students/interns gaining clinical experience.
Fits and orders wheelchairs.
Orders supplies and equipment.
Assists in developing departmental procedures.
Maintains individual records.
Writes individual evaluations and progress notes.
Designs, repairs and may fabricate adaptive equipment.
May serve as a resource person in a specialty area.
May make home visits to assess individual living situation and make recommendations for services.
May serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).
Performs related duties as required.
Coordinates physical therapy services.
Provides consultative services with regard to physical therapy.
Provides consultative services on adaptive devices.
Considers requests for services and equipment based on availability and appropriateness.
Assists physicians and other professionals in determining appropriateness of physical therapy services.
Provides physical therapy services to individuals.
Performs related duties as required.