State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In a state facility this class is accountable for providing professional occupational therapy services.

• CLINICAL: Responsible for the assessment, planning and administration of occupational therapy services.
• CONSULTING: Responsible for coordinating and administering occupational therapy consultation services.

Works under the general supervision of an Occupational Therapy Supervisor or other employee of higher grade.

May supervise/lead lower level staff as assigned; provides training and consultation to direct care staff on activities related to the specialty.

CLINICAL:

• 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 individual 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, individual 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.

CLINICAL:

• 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.

Incumbents in this class 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.

• 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.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to danger of injury and to moderately disagreeable conditions while providing treatment to individuals.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Occupational Therapist in Salary Group HC 25 approved effective September 20, 2023. (Revised to update terminology) Final No. 23-310