STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (Part-time)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #240313-5728HN-001

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Introduction


Do you possess certification as a Recovery Support Specialist?
Do you have a passion for inspiring others through sharing your story of change and personal growth?
If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team!

The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is currently seeking a qualified individual for the position of Recovery Support Specialist Trainee. In this role you will use your shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate, and mentor clients in achieving success. See below for more information!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS: 
WHY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
  • Join an Award-Winning Team: Be part of the prestigious Forbes-ranked State of Connecticut, recognized as one of the Best Employers of 2023. Experience national acclaim for providing unparalleled job growth, competitive benefits, and flexible schedules.
  • Platinum Healthcare Excellence: Enjoy the nation's top-rated healthcare plan for state employees and their dependents. Our Platinum Healthcare Plan, ranked the best by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and endorsed by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., ensures comprehensive coverage and well-being for you and your family.
  • Secure Your Future: Benefit from our robust pension plan and explore supplemental retirement offerings, ensuring a secure and comfortable future for you and your loved ones.
  • Invest in Your Education and Future: As a Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, the State of Connecticut supports your educational journey. You may qualify for student loan forgiveness after just 10 years of dedicated service. Learn more here.
  • Time for What Matters: Embrace a healthy work-life balance with generous paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year. Prioritize your well-being and make the most of your personal time. 
  • Unlock Your Potential: Grow professionally with a range of development opportunities. The State of Connecticut is committed to nurturing your skills and helping you reach new heights in your career.
  • Cultivate Balance: We believe in a healthy work/life balance for all our employees. Join us in fostering an environment where your professional and personal lives harmonize, allowing you to thrive in both.
    IMPORTANT SALARY INFORMATION:
    *After completion of six (6) months full-time equivalent of successful and satisfactory performance as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee, an incumbent will be moved to the Recovery Support Specialist classification, HN 14 Step 1 (On the first pay period following the completion of the six (6) month full-time equivalent requirement).

    DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
    • Provide coaching and guidance to assist individuals in identifying recovery goals, support networks, employment and/or educational opportunities
    • Utilize your own lived experience as well as evidence-based Wellness Management techniques
    • Provide education around client rights and responsibilities, tools for recovery and management of mental health, substance use, and medical issues
    MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND DIVISION:
    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.

    SWCMHS is responsible for the oversight and management of contracts with private not-for-profit agencies and residential providers providing mental health services in the southwest region of the state.  With locations in Bridgeport and Stamford, SWCMHS provides inpatient, outpatient and assertive community treatment (ACT) services and community support services for adults with severe behavioral health disabilities; mental health services for people who are deaf or hearing impaired and a mobile crisis intervention team. SWCMHS also provides outreach to people who are homeless and mentally ill. Special agency programs include Shelter Plus Care, a housing program for people who are homeless and who have a history of substance abuse or mental illness or who have AIDS.

    START WITH US. STAY WITH US. GROW WITH US.

    Selection Plan

    FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
    Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
    To Apply:
    • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
    • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
    • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
    • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
    • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
    Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
    • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
    • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
    • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
    • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
    • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
    • 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 which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
    • 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.
    Connect With Us:
    • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
    • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Alyssa Hovanec via email at Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov.

    PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

    In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for receiving training in using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate, and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.

    EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

    • Under immediate supervision guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plans using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools; 
    • Receives training in supporting and guiding clients in following tasks outlined in recovery plan (i.e., pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports); 
    • Under immediate supervision guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights; 
    • Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet clients’ needs and goals; 
    • Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration; 
    • Provides basic instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families; 
    • Under immediate supervision acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have or are at risk for co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities; 
    • Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness; 
    • Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs; 
    • Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress; 
    • Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity; 
    • Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities; 
    • Gains knowledge and experience in organizing and conducting workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level; 
    • Observes and reports clients’ behavior; 
    • Prepares and submits incident or other related forms; 
    • Updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required; 
    • Enters computerized data as required; 
    • May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication; 
    • May provide outreach and transportation; 
    • Performs related duties as required.
    INPATIENT SETTINGS: 

    In addition to the duties listed above, the duties move from providing one-on-one peer support to teaching coping and community adjustment skills and linking the client with important community resources, and include the following:

    • Accompanies clients off the unit and onto the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation;
    • Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community;
    • May provide coverage at Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

    • Knowledge of
      • community support systems and resources; 
      • person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques; 
      • the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation; 
    • Skills
      • interpersonal skills; 
      • oral and written communication skills; 
    • Ability to
      • observe and suggest redirection in client behavior; 
      • utilize computer software.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

    Completion of the Recovery Support Specialist Certification.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience working in the community to assist mental health substance abuse clients
    • Experience facilitating peer-led groups
    • Experience working as a Recovery Support Specialist providing trauma-informed community-based care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    • Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
    • Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
    • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
    • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

    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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