STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Mental Health Assistant 1 (Multiple Positions)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #231012-5724HN-001

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Introduction



THE ROLE: 
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is currently accepting applications for the position of Mental Health Assistant 1. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our direct-care team to improve the well-being for our clients/patients. 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • FACILITY: Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH)
  • SCHEDULE: Full-Time, 35 hours weekly
  • SHIFTS: First, Second, and Third
  • NOTE: These positions are considered Hazardous Duty. 
  • NOTE: These positions can be assigned any unit/location and work schedule/shift within WFH.  
UNITS:

  • Dutcher 1 South: (Male Only) Community Re-Entry 
  • Dutcher 1 North: (Male Only) Treatment/Assessment 
  • Dutcher 2 South: (Co-ed) is a competency restoration unit housed within the enhanced security building of Whiting, wherein individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders work towards being able to participate in their own defense. 
  • Dutcher 2 North:(Co-ed) is a long-term unit located within the enhanced security, Dutcher building aimed at community reintegration for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and or substance use disorders.
  • Dutcher 3 North: (Co-ed) is long-term units located within the enhanced security, Dutcher building aimed at community reintegration for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and or substance use disorders who have been adjudicated.
  • Dutcher 3 South: (Co-ed) is long-term units located within the enhanced security, Dutcher building aimed at community reintegration for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and or substance use disorders who have been adjudicated.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
  • To work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’ State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;
  • We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year.
  • We encourage a strong work/life balance for all state employees.
  • We offer opportunities for professional and personal growth. State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
  • We have limitless areas for you to perform relevant and significant work.
*STARTING SALARY INFORMATION:
  • New hires to the classification of Mental Health Assistant 1 shall be paid an hourly rate of $25.67.  
  • Upon successful completion of the working test period, effective the payroll period following, the Employee shall be compensated at an hourly rate of $26.91. 
  • Employees who have previously completed a working test period in an 1199-covered direct-care position shall not be subject to this reduced training rate upon transfer or promotion.
AS A MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT 1 YOU WILL:  
  • Works effectively with others for the provision of quality of patient care and efficient unit operations of assigned duties;
  • Participates as an active member of the clinical treatment team;
  • Ensures a safe and therapeutic milieu;
  • Escorts patients as assigned;
  • Performs security checks and reports results;
  • Accurately records patient census;
  • Checks patients’ vital signs;
  • Initiates problem-solving related to the delivery of patient care on the unit;
  • Provides documentation that is consistently current;
  • Ensures that all documentation entered in the medical record is related to the Nursing Care Plan and Master Treatment Plan and is behaviorally stated.
NOTE: 
  • Current DMHAS permanent employees in the classification of Mental Health Assistant 1 should not apply.
  • Permanent DMHAS employees in the classification of Mental Health Assistant 1 transfers will be handled through the DMHAS Lateral Transfer Agreement. 
  • Positions through this posting are permanent positions with temporary assignments.
  • Permanent assignments will be completed at a later date after the agency transfer list has been cleared.
OUR MISSION:
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. 

ABOUT US:
Whiting Forensic Hospital provides high-quality, comprehensive, and individualized treatment and evaluation services for patients with mental health conditions who are involved in the criminal justice system or are not yet ready to be safely treated in less restrictive settings. This is accomplished with full respect for the civil and human rights of each patient. Our goal is to assist individuals in managing their illnesses and achieving personal recovery goals by developing the skills necessary to live safely in the community.    

Watch below for an inside look from current State of Connecticut Employees!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: 
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 
  • Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening will be considered for this role as determined by qualifications stated on the submitted application.  
TO APPLY: 
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. We are no longer accepting resumes in accordance with PA 21-69. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system. 
  • Please select all shift(s) in which you are willing to work on your application. Failure to indicate the shift(s) may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific shift. 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AFTER YOU APPLY: 
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Note: A facility may have a need to post a job opening for a more ‘specific’ Mental Health Assistant 1 position geared towards that facility's specific position(s). Those types of Mental Health Assistant 1 job openings on JobAps will NOT use applications from this recruitment pool. You must apply to those postings in order to be considered for appointment to those specific position(s). We encourage you to apply to each Mental Health Assistant 1 posting you are interested in. Please sign up for Interest Cards to be notified when Mental Health Assistant 1 recruitments are posted.
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. 
  • Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Pam Rochette and Pamela.Rochette@ct.gov.

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 working with clients/patients with behavioral health issues or substance use issues. 
  • Experience working with a population with neurocognitive disorders in a behavioral health setting. 
  • Experience working with clients/patients that are diagnosed with mental health conditions. 
  • Experience using interpersonal skills to calm and deescalate clients/patients. 
  • Experience working in roles that require mandatory overtime. 
  • Experience working as a team member and independently. 

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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