Rehabilitation Therapist 2 (Therapeutic Recreation)

Find out more information and apply online at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=260804&R2=6896XC&R3=001

Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH), under the umbrella of the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a qualified individual to join our team as a Rehabilitation Therapist 2 (Therapeutic Recreation) (PCN 136801). Find out more information on this great opportunity below!
 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Unit: Merritt 2AB
• Schedule: First Shift, Sunday - Thursday
• Work Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Location: 39 Tynan Cir, Middletown, CT

Merritt 2AB is a 30-bed Residential Rehabilitation Program (ASAM level of care 3.7R) for adults that offers structured and safe environment for persons in early stages of recovery.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

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

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Conduct comprehensive therapeutic recreation assessments to identify patient strengths, needs, functional abilities, and recovery goals.
• Develop and implement individualized, evidence‑based treatment plans that support patient engagement, clinical objectives, and long‑term recovery.
• Facilitate structured therapeutic interventions designed to enhance coping skills, promote healthy leisure participation, and address complex psychosocial needs.
• Modify treatment approaches in real time based on patient presentation, progress, and changing clinical needs within a fast-paced day program environment.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary treatment team to ensure coordinated, patient‑centered care and consistent communication about treatment planning.
• Monitor, document, and evaluate patient progress, adjusting interventions to promote meaningful outcomes and successful community reintegration.
• Contribute to a recovery-oriented care environment by providing compassionate support, fostering motivation, and promoting engagement in therapeutic programming.
• Utilize person-specific interventions to address barriers to recovery, encourage functional independence, and enhance overall quality of life.

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES:

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (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 Connecticut Valley Hospital boasts a rich history first opening its doors over 150 years ago in 1868. As the State’s public hospital we provide treatment of mental illness and currently comprised of 18 inpatient units over two campuses (Middletown and Hartford). In our operational framework, recovery is defined as a process of restoring or developing a positive and meaningful sense of identity apart from one’s condition and then rebuilding one’s life in the fullest sense. Recovery is an individualized patient-centered approach. Achieving and maintaining an optimal state of health and wellness is integrated in our recovery approach. Individuals acquire and practice life skills that will assist them in their recovery process.

The Merritt 2AB Program offers treatment for clients with co-occurring disorders and provides effective combination of medical, psychiatric, and counseling services to address clients’ individual needs based on their readiness to change. Program specializes in trauma informed/ gender responsive care and utilizes variety of evidence based clinical approaches and treatment modalities to provide holistic care. Clients are offered at a minimum 30 hours of treatment each week including individual, group and family counseling, gender specific groups, recovery education, wellness therapies,12 step meetings and full range of Medication Assisted Treatment. The length of stay varies and is based on clients’ individual needs. Upon completion of treatment each client is connected to aftercare services either in residential or outpatient setting based on individual needs and preferences.

Start with us! Stay with us! Grow with us!

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 Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of professional experience in a professional rehabilitation therapeutic recreation program performing such activities as program evaluation, planning and application for individuals with an intellectual disability, emotional disabilities and physical disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• College training in a recognized therapeutic recreation discipline 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 four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• One (1) year of experience at the level of a Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (Therapeutic Recreation) or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience conducting individual and group treatment in a substance use/behavioral health inpatient treatment setting.
• Experience recording and evaluating client progress, including completion of assessments.
• Possess a Master's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or Recreation and Leisure Studies (with a Therapeutic Recreation concentration).
• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).