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.
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!
The DMHAS, Southeastern Mental
Health Authority (
SMHA) seeks qualified individuals for the position of
Licensed Practical Nurse within the Behavioral Health Home Team located at 401
West Thames Street, Building 301, Norwich, CT 06360. The work schedule is 1st shift,
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. The position number is 124057.
In this role you will:
-
Initiate contact with clients
who are difficult to reach and engage;
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Provide clients with
information, education, and support so they can make informed decisions
about care options as well as link clients to services through referrals;
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Help clients set up and prepare
for medical, behavioral health, social service, and/or community support
appointments;
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Accompany clients to
appointments in order to facilitate a better understanding of the appointment,
instructions and results;
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Provide follow-up with the
client after appointments by educating them on the importance of preventive
medicine, screenings and medications:
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Educate and coach clients regarding
healthy lifestyles and healthy eating habits;
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Assist with tracking client
data points; and
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Establish and maintain
relationships with local hospitals and local community health centers.
We participate in a
generous and
competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a
retirement plan as well as paid time off!
Selection Plan
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 Doreen Clemson at
Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or (860) 262-7116.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state facility, this class is accountable for rendering bedside care or mental health services to individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities in instances where the services of a registered nurse are not required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Assists doctors and nurses in the general care and treatment of individuals; measures doses and administers medications including insulin injections; documents medications using appropriate forms; performs narcotic counts; checks and may administer intravenous medications; reports changes in individuals to doctors; ensures that restraints are applied correctly; transcribes doctors medication orders; dispenses certain medications in doctor’s absence; applies topical medication; takes and charts temperatures, pulses and respirations; performs simple nursing treatments; monitors general individual needs including personal hygiene; reports on individual conditions and behavior; keeps the unit safe and healthy; administers enemas or suppositories; performs Foley catheterization care; orients individuals concerning medications and their use; may perform emergency first aid; may drive individuals to necessary appointments/outings; performs related duties as required.
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: performs the full range of duties as described in the class specification for the Lead Developmental Services Worker.
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES: performs the full range of duties as described in class specifications for the Mental Health Assistant 1 or Mental Health Assistant 2.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of practical nursing specialties and bedside care; knowledge of various medications used in conjunction for the care of individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities; knowledge of infection control practices; some knowledge of nutrition and diets; basic knowledge of medical and lab sciences; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to keep records; some ability to lead staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
License or temporary permit to practice nursing in Connecticut by the State Board of Examiners for Nursing.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license, Public Passenger Endorsement or Commercial Driver's license for designated positions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be required to lift/restrain individuals; may have some exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to some risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; may be exposed to disagreeable conditions.
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.