Mental Health Assistant 1 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #200319-5724FK-001

Location

Bridgeport, CT

Date Opened

4/3/2020 12:00:00 AM

Salary

$50,399* - $67,884/year (* See 'Introduction' below for starting salary information)

Job Type

Open to Statewide Employees

Close Date

4/9/2020 11:59:00 PM

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Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (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.

The Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS), with three locations throughout Fairfield County, promotes and administers comprehensive recovery oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs and outpatient clinical services, as well as a wide range of additional supportive treatment services.

We are seeking qualified individuals for the position of Mental Health Assistant 1 (PCN 078286) in the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit 1 (PICU 1), Inpatient. This position is 1st shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm, full-time, 72/72/80, every other weekend and holidays. This position is located at 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610. The PICU is a 21 bed unit that provides treatment in a safe supportive and highly structured hospital level of care, with emphasis on community re-entry. You will work with clients on the unit to support and assist with activities of daily living, client observations and transport to appointments, while adhering to the specified treatment plan.

Discover the opportunity to:

Work among professionals whose treatment goals developed for clients are aimed to help individuals be stabilized, rehabilitated and return to community-based living;
Utilize your expertise in assisting clients in developing a stress free attitude;
Stay up to date with changes that affect today’s society by participating in on-going education and training activities;
Apply your skills and experience to enhance clients self-worth.

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off.

*New hires to the classification of Mental Health Assistant 1 shall be paid an hourly rate of $23.03. Upon successful completion of the working test period, effective the payroll period following, the Employee shall be compensated at an hourly rate of $24.14. 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.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Andrew Pebley, Andrew.Pebley@ct.gov, (860) 262-6946.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period. For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

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 PUTPATIENT 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; knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles and procedures; knowledge of community support systems and resources; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable communication skills; considerable counseling skills; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year's experience at the level of Mental Health Trainee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. An Associate's degree in mental health technology may be substituted for the General Experience.
2. Two (2) years of college training in a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience.
3. One (1) year of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist providing peer support to agency clients may be substituted for the General Experience.
4. Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for six (6) months of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our preferred candidate will have:

Experience utilizing acceptable standards of nursing care, such as, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions;
Working knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles and procedures;
Demonstrated ability to utilize community support systems and resources;
Demonstrated considerable counseling skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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.
3. 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.