Introduction
Our mission at 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, Office of the Commissioner (OOC) seeks a dynamic and experienced individual for the position of Safety Education Instructor (PCN 89084). This position is within the Safety Services Division located at our Connecticut Valley Hospital Campus. We are conveniently located off Route 9 in Middletown, CT. This is a full-time forty (40) hour per week position with a non-standard work schedule to include evenings and midnight shifts to accommodate training of off-shift employees throughout the state.
Are you a self-starter? Do you have a passion for supporting others? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we want you to join us!
Discover the opportunity to:
- Conduct safety education training courses, primarily CPR and Collaborative Safety Strategies (CSS), for all new and existing DMHAS employees.
- Provide direct care staff in all treatment settings including Whiting Forensic Hospital with education and technical skill training necessary to prevent adverse patient/client conduct from escalating to dangerous behavior; and to safely intervene and restore order/safety should dangerous behavior occur.
- Provide staff with skills in avoiding and resolving conflict when interacting with patients which are vital in reducing the rate and severity of injury to staff and patients, the rate of restrain and seclusion hospital wide and eliminate occasions that may lead to patient abuse and neglect.
We participate in a generous, competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off!
Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the “Resume Tab” of your application as 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.
Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Edra Knight, DMHAS Human Resources at Edra.Knight@ct.gov or (860) 418-6866.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for assisting in the development and conduct of safety education programs for staff involved in providing behavioral health treatment and services.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Conducts educational and safety programs including behavioral management strategies and techniques for agency clinical and support staff; conducts orientation programs for new employees; implements course objectives and curricula; uses most appropriate educational methods to accomplish course objectives; conducts educational sessions utilizing lectures, role playing, seminars, group discussions and audio visual presentations; recommends changes in educational methods and materials to effect improvements; reviews courses to determine effectiveness and appropriateness of contents; may conduct special sessions for staff involved in providing behavioral health services to individuals in private residential facilities, community training homes and community based treatment settings; may assist with assessment of departmental safety training needs; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of principles and practices of safety as related to health care environment; knowledge of principles and practices of care, training, habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals with mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders; some knowledge of methods and techniques of implementing and evaluating training programs; some knowledge of methods and techniques applicable to adult education; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; psychomotor skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Five (5) years of experience in the care and treatment of persons with mental health, substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been assisting in the conduct of employee safety and/or training programs.
Note: For state employees the Special Experience is interpreted as one (1) year of experience at the level of Mental Health Assistant 1 and Licensed Practical Nurse or higher.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s degree.
2. Four (4) years experience as a Mental Health Assistant 2 ( Inpatient) may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Will be required to be certified as an American Red Cross Instructor CPR/AED and First Aid
2. Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.
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.