Central Connecticut State University

Introduction

The Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN), 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 Mental Health Assistant 1 (PCN 25804) in Waterbury. This position will provide residential support services to adult clients within our Respite Unit, a 15-bed sub-acute/transitional housing program, in the community. Find out more information on this great opportunity below!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Work Schedule: Rotating schedule, with every other weekend and alternating Monday and Thursday Off
• Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Work Shift: Second shift, 3:00 p.m. - 11:20 p.m.
• Location: 95 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

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

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Providing monitoring and therapeutic interventions to clients requiring intense contact and supervision in a community setting.
• Understanding of trauma sensitive principle/practices as well as person centered recovery planning.
• Assisting clients in learning and practicing daily living skills, medication monitoring and community adaptation skills.
• Providing individual, group support, teaching and skill building as informed by DLA-20.
• Monitoring and documenting client presentations, behaviors and overall progress toward recovery goals in electronic medical record in a timely fashion
• Developing and participating in community activities with clients to promote and teach pro-social behaviors.
• Assisting individuals in developing effective coping strategies to manage internal and external stress, ability to recognize and report back to clinical team potential risk factors and provide support to mitigate risk.
• Providing direct care services in a culturally appropriate manner.

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 Western Connecticut Mental Health Network’s mission is to provide a comprehensive and effective recovery-oriented system of mental health and addiction services that promotes self-sufficiency, dignity, cultural sensitivity and respect.

Western Connecticut Mental Health Network is committed to the following values:

• Choice
• Hope
• Access
• New Opportunities
• Growth
• Empowerment

The Respite Program provides short-term residential care for individuals who are homeless, awaiting acceptance to services, or are leaving the hospital. The Respite Program is operated collaboratively with Waterbury Hospital.

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.

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 DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• 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 questionnaire’s 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? WE’RE 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 Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov.

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

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for assisting in the assessment, planning and implementation of paraprofessional nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions designed to support clients' short and/or long-term needs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Participates in assigned nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions to meet client short and long-term needs;
• Advocates for services or resources that meet client needs and preferences;
• Assists client in developing effective strategies for managing internal and external stress;
• Routinely solicits personal goals and preferences;
• Identifies and facilitates use of appropriate support networks;
• Participates in education and training activities to further skill development;
• Participates in admission and discharge planning activities;
• Protects civil rights of client;
• Maintains a safe and healthy environment;
• May manage client behaviors through verbal communication as needed;
• Performs related duties as required.

COMMUNITY OR OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS:

• Functions as a member of a case management team or program;
• Participates in assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients in community at large (i.e., emergency rooms, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs, etc.);
• Assists client in learning and practicing daily living skills, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills;
• Provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision.

INPATIENT WARD OR UNIT:

• Communicates and interacts with clients;
• Participates in development of nursing care and treatment plans;
• Encourages client to participate in therapeutic activities;
• Observes and records client behavior and prepares pertinent reports;
• Participates in on-going education and training programs;
• May participate in follow up of client in community-based services;
• May supervise self-administration of oral medication.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
  • acceptable standards of nursing care;
  • psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles and procedures;
  • community support systems and resources;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
  • counseling skills;
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience at the level of a Mental Health Trainee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

• An Associate's degree in mental health technology may be substituted for the General Experience.
• Two (2) years of college training in a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience.
• One (1) year of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist providing peer support to agency clients may be substituted for the General Experience.
• Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for one-half (1/2) year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with working in outpatient settings and providing services within the community
• Experience in written documentation and managing large volumes of paperwork
• Experience with mental health and/or substance abuse
• Experience using computer applications, such as: Electronic Health Records, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Teams
• Experience in locating housing and working with homeless individuals

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients and may have significant exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases, strongly disagreeable conditions and risk of injury.

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.

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