Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant 2 (35 Hour)

State of Connecticut • Southbury, CT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – Southbury Training School – is accepting applications for a full-time, Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant 2 position. In this rewarding role, you will work closely with professional therapists, direct care staff, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to support individuals through a variety of therapeutic, recreational, and life skills programs designed to enhance quality of life and promote meaningful participation in daily activities. As a Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant 2, you will assist in implementing rehabilitation services, including life skills training, exercise and range-of-motion programs, recreational activities, and community outings. You will help plan and support therapeutic interventions, monitor and document individual progress, maintain therapy equipment and supplies, and provide guidance to staff on the proper use of adaptive equipment. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of individuals served by DDS while working in a collaborative, person-centered environment dedicated to fostering growth, independence, and community inclusion. DDS partners with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of experience working with individuals exhibiting intellectual, emotional, or motor status disorders.
• One (1) year of the General Experience must have been as a Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant 1 or its equivalent.
• An Associate's degree in a recognized therapeutic discipline may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of three (3) years. In this case the Special Experience must still be met.
• Ability to encourage, instruct and work effectively with individuals
• Ability to incorporate one or more art forms or crafts applicable to therapy program
• Ability to carry out instructions
• Ability to observe, report and chart individual behavior or response
• Ability to discern program results
• Ability to utilize computer software

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Experience with adapting and implementing various opportunities for creative activities for elderly individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a current certification as a Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Red Cross Advanced Life Saving, Red Cross Life Guard and/or in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to be certified in accordance with Department of Developmental Services regulations for the administration of medication by certified unlicensed personnel.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Implements rehabilitation activities including but not limited to life skills and recreational groups; Range of motion and exercise programs and recreational outings and activities
• Assists in planning rehabilitation activities and programs to improve or correct individual disorders
• Participates in interdisciplinary treatment teams
• Under the direction of a professional therapist, provides assistance and support to direct care and day services staff in program implementation and proper use of therapy equipment
• Assumes some responsibility for training new employees and students
• Observes, reports and charts individual behavior or response
• Prepares records and reports
• Cleans areas and maintains equipment and supplies
• Conducts minor repairs on adaptive equipment
• In consultation with a professional therapist may modify, design and fabricate customized adaptive equipment
• May prepare treatment plans and screen individuals under supervision of a professional therapist
• May transport and escort individuals off grounds
• Performs related duties as required

Benefits

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
• State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree