Physical Therapist (40 Hour) (Office/On-Site) - #250715-6251FP-001

Introduction Do you want to utilize your skills and make a difference? Are you looking to take the next step in your career? If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity! The State of Connecticu t , Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services ( DMHAS ) is currently seeking a qualified and experienced individual for the position of Physical Therapist . Position Highlights:

• FACILITY: Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System ( SWCMHS )
• DIVISION: Hospital Services Division (Inpatient)
• LOCATION: Bridgeport , CT
• SCHEDULE: Full -time (40 hours), 1st Shift, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• POSITION NUMBER: 151252

What We Can Offer You:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunitie s.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

• Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.

Discover The Opportunity To:

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do.

The Role:

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating with mental health professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Evaluate patients' physical conditions through medical history, observation, and diagnostic.
• Identify impairments in mobility, posture, strength, coordination, and functional ability.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings.
• Design therapeutic exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.
• Use manual therapy techniques (e.g., joint mobilization, soft tissue work).
• Provide functional training for activities of daily living (ADLs) like walking, climbing stairs, or transferring from bed to chair.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
• Evaluate physical impairments related to psychiatric medications (e.g., tremors, stiffness, fatigue).
• Educate patients and staff on safe movement techniques, injury prevention, and self-management strategies .
• Provide guidance on the proper use of assistive devices.
• Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions that incorporate physical activity.
• Document evaluations, treatments, and outcomes accurately in patient records per facility protocol.

About Us: 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-s ufficiency 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.

With three locations throughout Fairfield County, SWCMHS, promotes and administers comprehensive recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs and outpatient clinical services, as well as a wide range of additional supportive treatment services.

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 Connecticuts 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 Reference Library 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 job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 , 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. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) 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. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. 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 ... .
• Salary Calculations : For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note : The only way to apply to this posting is via the Apply or Apply Online buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaires expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• 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 .

QUESTIONS? WERE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Julie Barker at ... .

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state facility or agency region this class is accountable for providing professional physical therapy services to individuals with an intellectual disability or other developmental disabilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

CLINICAL:

• 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.

CONSULTING:

• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
  • principles and practices of physical therapy;
  • applied anatomy, physiology and kinesiology;
  • 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;
  • gain confidence, interest and cooperation of individuals with an intellectual disability or other developmental disabilities;
  • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Incumbents in this class 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in an outpatient care setting .
• Experience with WORD and EXCEL computer software .
• Experience using an Electronic Medical Record .
• Experience transporting clients.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficiency 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 Operators 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.