Nurse Clinician (35 Hour)

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 intergrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.  The Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) seeks qualified individuals for the position of Nurse Clinician, PCN 81275, within the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit (SATU) 1 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT.  This position is 1st shift, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., full-time, 35 hours per week,  Monday through Friday.

The Nurse Clinician will function as primary clinician for a caseload of adult clients with primary substance use disorders, and co-morbid psychiatric and medical issues.  The SATU nurse clinician will function in a leadership capacity in the operation of the Vivitrol and Suboxone programs operated by SATU, as well as in the operation of a program for impaired nurses and health care professionals, referred by the Department of Public Health, for assistance in working towards the restoration of professional licenses suspended due to substance use.  The nurse clinician will conduct psychosocial assessments for the purposes of treatment and disposition planning.  In addition, the nurse clinician will provide individual and group treatment, involving family and significant others as clinically indicated.   

NOTE: 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.  Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.   

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Andrew Pebley, MHA-DMHAS-Recruitment@ct.gov or (203) 974-7434.

In the Departments of Children and Families and Mental Health and Addiction Services and University of Connecticut, Correctional Managed Health Care this class is accountable for conducting individual, group or family therapy, performing clinical assessments, history taking and mental status examinations.

Elicits and records health history of client and/or patient; performs initial assessment using observation, interviews, inspection, auscultation, palpation and percussion; leads or co-leads psychotherapy groups or family therapy with other professionals; assesses, develops, implements and evaluates a written client and/or patient treatment plan for individuals and/or families; provides clinical supervision regarding assessment and intervention of crisis situations; counsels clients and/or patients and families about illness, medication and health habits; documents all care given; refers complex or emergent conditions to a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist according to predetermined guidelines; may perform some emergency medical treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, treatment for shock or hemorrhage and treatment for emotional crises; may prescribe medication; may order laboratory tests as needed to discriminate between normal and abnormal findings on physical examination; may provide individual therapy; may perform mental status examinations; may lead multidisciplinary teams; may provide clinical supervision for ward milieu including writing ward and/or unit treatment programs; may assist in training students and health professionals; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of psychiatric nursing processes with emphasis on clinical interviewing and individual, group and family psychotherapy; considerable knowledge of current modalities of treatment available for psychiatric patients with emphasis on interdisciplinary team approaches; considerable knowledge of theories and treatments of mental illnesses; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to observe changes in patient behavior; ability to make inferences and differential nursing diagnoses based on data available.

Four (4) years of experience as a professional nurse.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a psychiatric setting in supervised individual, group and/or family therapy.

1. A Bachelor's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
2. Master's degree in nursing may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a current license as a registered professional nurse in Connecticut.
2. Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.
3. Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
4. Within the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, incumbents in this class who write medications must have a current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse issued by the Department of Health.

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.