Mental Health Assistant 1

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 DMHAS, CT Valley Hospital (CVH) has six (6) current part-time job opportunities for Mental Health Assistant 1 positions within General  Psychiatry Division.  These positions are located at 1000 Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457. They are 14 hours weekly, every Saturday and Sunday.  Please note these positions do not include benefits.

Position details as follows:

• Position One (122991): Battell 3 North, 2nd shift, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Position Two (122997): Battell 4 South, 2nd shift, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Position Three (122989): Woodward 1 South, 2nd shift, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Position Four (122988): Battell 4 South, 3rd shift, 11:15 p.m. to 7:15 a.m.
• Position Five (122990): Woodward 1 South, 3rd shift, 11:15 p.m. to 7:15 a.m.
• Position Six (122996): Battell 3 North, 3rd shift, 11:15 p.m. to 7:15 a.m.

These positions are located on the following inpatient units:

• Battell 3 North is an intensive treatment unit with 22 co-ed clients.  This unit specializes in the treatment of individuals with a refractory psychiatric illness who have not responded to treatment in less restrictive or less structured settings. 
• Battell 4 South is a co-ed unit with 22 clients.  This unit specializes in a gamut of serious persistent mental illnesses and symptoms.  The clients are admitted through DMHAS psychiatric and forensic services along with the general hospitals and the community.
• Woodward 1 South is geriatric services with 15 male clients.  This unit specializes in patients who are over 60 years of age and have an onset of neuro-cognitive changes associated with all forms of dementia or progressive neuro-cognitive disorders.

*New hires to state service 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. 

Applicants interested in any/all of the above positions must apply to this posting. Candidates will be able to identify shift preference later in the recruitment process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application. Please note you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Applicants invited to interview will be requested to supply a copy of their driver’s license.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Doreen Clemson, DMHAS HR, at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or (860) 262-7116.

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 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 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.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess a Certified Nursing Assistant with psychiatric 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 may 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.