STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (40 Hour)

Recruitment #180808-5728FK-001

Introduction

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services seeks qualified individuals for the position of Recovery Support Specialist Trainee within the Peer Support Program/Division. POSITION #106408 .LOCATION: Capitol Region Mental Health Center, 51 Coventry Street, Hartford, CT 06112. This is a full-time forty (40) hour per week position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application. You will NOT be able to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. Applicants invited to interview will be requested to supply a copy of their valid motor vehicle license.

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Ramona Sablon,
MHA-DMHAS-Recruitment@ct.gov or (860) 418-6881.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for 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

Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for clients' recovery plans using existing evidence based workbooks or person centered planning tools; supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in recovery plan (i.e. pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports); 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 instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families; 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 clients 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; organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level; may coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication; 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 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; knowledge of person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques; some knowledge of the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to observe and redirect client behavior; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Completion of the Recovery Support Specialist Certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain Recovery Support Specialist Certification.
2. Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
4. Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.
5. Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

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.