Introduction
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Connecticut Valley Hospital, Whiting Forensic Division, Whiting Service is currently accepting applications for a Forensic Treatment Specialist. This position is located on Unit 4, Extended Treatment. This is a part-time position twenty-one (21) hours per week assigned to the third shift. The work schedule is as follows: week 1: Saturday, Sunday and Monday; week 2: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This is a hazardous duty position.
Selection Plan
This is a competitive position, open to the public.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health at Whiting Forensic Institute, under established security conditions, this class is accountable for developing and maintaining an effective therapeutic environment for patients.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients; may informally counsel patients as need arises; actively participates in team patient care conferences; performs patient care duties such as feeding, bathing, dressing patients; takes vital signs; observes, reports and records patient behaviors and appearance; effectively implements security regulations; prevents unauthorized movement of patients, visitors and personnel; performs housekeeping tasks, escorts patients and secures supplies and materials; assists in transfer of patients from and to security treatment facility; monitors and participates in patient management on units; after proper training, may prepare and administer medication other than controlled substances and perform first aid procedures; may participate in group counseling sessions; may participate in patient activities; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of psychiatric procedures and principles involved in care and treatment of the mentally ill; knowledge of modern medical, therapeutic and psychiatric routines, methods and procedures; knowledge of safe patient custody in a security treatment area; knowledge of human behavior, behavioral manifestations of mental illness and principles involved in care and treatment of the mentally ill; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to perform basic first aid procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Two (2) years' experience in the care of the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Satisfactory completion of a Medication Course may be required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. Certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
2. Sixty (60) or more credit hours of college education may be substituted for one (1) year of the General experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate will be made before persons are certified for permanent appointment. Candidates who do not have good character are not eligible for permanent employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain patients; may have significant exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from patients; may be exposed to significant mental stress and other extremely disagreeable conditions.
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.
