What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapist (Per Diem) position at State of Connecticut - Department of Mental Health...?
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a per diem Physical Therapist (PCN 154116) for the CT Mental Health Center (CMHC) inpatient unit in New Haven.
Schedule
- Two days per week, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with flexible days and hours as needed.
Position Highlights
- 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
A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must comply with Connecticut’s Drug‑Free Workplace Policy.
About Us
DMHAS is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated, holistic network of services that foster dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency.
CMHC provides comprehensive mental health treatment to individuals with serious behavioral health disorders that often frequent the local hospital emergency rooms, are frequently involved in the court systems and require a variety of clinical services to provide stability, medication management and treatment.
Selection Plan
For Assistance in Applying
- Review the Applicant Tips on How to Apply.
- Visit the 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 posting by the closing date. These qualifications must be clearly specified on your application.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees accurately. Institutions must be accredited. For foreign education, provide equivalency documentation from a recognized U.S. accrediting service.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21‑69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. Additional documents (cover letter, transcripts, performance reviews, etc.) may be requested later.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all locations and shifts you are willing to work. Failure to do so may limit your consideration for specific vacancies.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be submitted by the posting deadline. Revisions cannot be made after you submit. Late submissions are rarely accepted; applicants may request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov and providing documentation of incapacitating circumstances during the entire posting period.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations may differ between branches of state government.
- How to Apply: The only way to apply is through the “Apply” or “Apply Online” buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center posting.
After You Apply
- Check Your Status: Email providers may delay messages. Regularly review your Personal Status Board for updates, questionnaires, and tasks. You may also enable SMS notifications.
- Referral Questions: You may be required to complete Referral Questions (RQs) after the posting closes. Access them through your email or your Personal Status Board.
- Prepare for an Interview: Only candidates whose experience aligns most closely with the role will be interviewed. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to get ready.
- Stay Connected: Monitor your Personal Status Board daily and check all email folders (including spam).
- Future Vacancies: Applications to this recruitment may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
- Employment Rules: Positions are filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion, and merit rules. Employees are also bound by the State Code of Ethics (www.ct.gov/ethics).
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide individual status updates. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board or review the Frequently Asked Questions. For additional questions about the process, contact Ben Beaudry at Benjamin.Beaudry@ct.gov.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state facility this class is accountable for the assessment, planning and application of professional physical therapy for individuals with physical disabilities and/or an intellectual disability.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Assesses individuals with physical disabilities and/or an intellectual disability for occupational therapy activities;
- Gives individual and group instructions to individuals in various occupational therapy activities 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 appropriate activities for individuals consistent with physician prescription;
- Consults with supervisors, physicians and other professionals regarding individual treatment plans as needed;
- Makes recommendations based on individual progress;
- Requisitions and distributes supplies and materials;
- Maintains records and reports on individual care and administrative matters;
- Participates in or conducts training programs for staff therapists, occupational therapy and nursing students;
- Escorts individuals on trips into community;
- Performs duties in individual home or community setting;
- Serves on treatment teams;
- Attends workshops and lectures on occupational therapy and related topics;
- Makes adaptive equipment;
- May serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP);
- May supervise occupational therapy students after one year of experience;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of
- principles and practices of occupational therapy;
- anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neurology, neuroanatomy and individual and group dynamics as applied to occupational therapy;
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes. A temporary permit to practice physical therapy may be issued by the Department of Public Health pending completion of the full licensure process.
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.