Mental Health Associate (40 Hour)

In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, community behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for the administration of a designated number of wards or units or a major clinical training program for mental health assistants. In outpatient divisions and community programs or clinics, this class is accountable for the direct supervision of mental health assistants and/or independently performing a full range of advanced para-professional functions in case management and crisis intervention services or the administration of a complex program component.

In wards or units, assumes responsibility for the supervision, training, and evaluation of assigned staff; plans and develops personnel schedules and assignments to provide adequate and safe coverage; applies accepted standards of nursing care and administration; assists in the evaluation of the quality of nursing care being administered; investigates and reports any unusual incidents; assures confidentiality of oral and written reports; coordinates support services such as dietary, maintenance, etc.; supports and participates in the protection of human and civil rights of clients; assures that federal and state regulations and directives are followed; participates in unit, program, and department meetings; collaborates with members of other disciplines in the planning, development and implementation of hospital programs and services; may supervise the self-administration of oral medications; cooperates and collaborates with clinical personnel in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu; may assist in approved research projects; performs direct client care functions and other related duties as required.
In community/outpatient mental health programs, coordinates and facilitates the activities of clients; functions as team member of a case management or crisis team or program; participates in the assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients in the community at large (i.e. ERs, jails, homeless shelters, outpatients programs, etc.); assists clients in acquiring daily living skills, budgeting, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills; provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision; applies accepted standards of nursing care to clients; supervises staff of lesser grades or other disciplines; may perform problem-solving techniques with clients in their natural environment; may assist in the motivation of long-term clients in small groups hospital programs or in community; may coordinate crisis-intervention plans to circumvent hospitalization; may support and supervise clients in transitional living facilities; may assess families in need of respite care programs; provides clinical therapeutic counseling and/or preventive education services to community groups and individuals, including the development and administration of curriculum on various issues relevant to the community; independently participates in community outreach programs that include crisis interventions, case management and/or family support in home settings; participates as a liaison to community agencies; makes arrangements for outpatient appointments; provides information on department philosophy and objectives; performs direct client care functions and other related duties as required.
In a comprehensive, structured training program, trains mental health assistants in the principles, practices, and procedures of client care, nursing care, supervision and administration, hygiene, sanitation, safety, security, and fire prevention, the management of assaultive behavior, report writing, and writing of behavioral objectives; provides information on the dynamics of human behavior; trains employees in the techniques of group work; trains employees in the methods of supporting clients in avoiding hospitalization; performs direct client care functions and other related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of acceptable standards of nursing care; considerable knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles, practices, and procedures; considerable knowledge of dynamics of individual and group behavior; knowledge of supervisory and administrative methods and techniques; knowledge of hygiene and sanitation; knowledge of security, safety, and fire procedures, knowledge of community resources and programs; ability to lead staff; ability to supervise client activity; ability to direct others in the formulation of plans for client care; ability to interpret and implement agency/facility policies and procedures; organizational ability; ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with individuals, groups and families; training and teaching ability; considerable ability to apply the principles of therapeutic counseling; ability to effectively handle emergency situations independently; observation skills; considerable communication and interpersonal skills.

Three (3) years' experience at the level of Mental Health Assistant 2, LPN or its equivalent in a psychiatric setting.

1. College training in mental health technology, a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy, or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling six (6) month of experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
2. Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for six (6) months.

• Experience and training in substance abuse treatment best practice models.
• Experience working with a diverse client population in an outpatient setting.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

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.