Mental Health Assistant 1 (40 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Western CT Mental Health Center (WCMHN) seeks qualified individuals for the position of Mental Health Assistant 1 (Position # 99080) for the Torrington Young Adult Services Residential Unit, 249 Winsted Rd, Torrington, CT 06790; 3rd Shift, 12:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. full-time, 40 hours per week, every other weekend and holidays.

Work Schedule will be;
    Week 1:  Off Saturday and Sunday; Work Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  
    Week 2:  Off Friday, Work Saturday and Sunday, Off Monday, Work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

As a Mental Health Assistant 1, you will provide support to the clients residing in the Young Adult Transitional Housing Program, working with young adult ages 18-25 years.  You will build and foster therapeutic relationships; participate as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and participate in the implementation of treatment plans.  Using your interpersonal skills, you should be able to follow oral and written communications.

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your Resume in the 'Resume Tab' of your application.  You will be unable 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.

*New hires to state service shall be paid an hourly rate of $22.25.  Upon successful completion of the working test period, effective the payroll period following, the Employee shall be compensated at an hourly rate of $23.32.

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Deana Fisher, MHA-DMHAS-Recruitment@ct.gov or (860-262-6983.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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 will be required to travel.

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.

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.