Introduction
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) is currently
seeking qualified individuals for the position of Recovery Support Specialist
Trainee (RSST) within SMHA’s Assertive Community Treatment (
ACT) team. The location is 401 West
Thames Street, Unit 301, Norwich, CT
06360. The schedule is 1st shift, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, full-time, 35 hours weekly. The position number 122304.
SMHA is a community mental health agency operated by DMHAS. Its
primary goal is to provide high quality behavioral health services to those in
our community with mental health and substance use disorders who are 18 years
or older and reside in New London County and its surrounding towns. Services,
which include case management, outpatient behavioral health, crisis
intervention, respite care, and forensic services, are recovery oriented and
offered in a trauma informed and culturally sensitive manner. We support
individuals to identify and achieve their own goals in recovery, fostering
independence, dignity, and ability.
You will discover the opportunity to:
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Engage in a rewarding career;
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Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving
the lives of those we serve;
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Assist our clients so they can achieve success;
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Make a difference in the public sector; and
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Work together in a collaborative team environment.
*After completion of six (6) months of successful and satisfactory
performance as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee, an incumbent will be
moved to the Recovery Support Specialist classification, HN 14 Step 1 (On the
first pay period following the completion of the six (6) month requirement).
Selection Plan
Applicants must have successfully completed the Recovery Support Specialist Certification and still be certified by the closing date.
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 the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate, and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for clients' recovery plans using existing evidence based workbooks or person centered planning tools; supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in recovery plan (i.e. pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports); guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights; participates in rehabilitative and recovery oriented interventions to meet clients’ needs and goals; provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration; provides instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families; acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have or are at risk for co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities; supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness; supports clients in obtaining services that meet clients recovery needs; supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress; attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity; accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities; organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level; may coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication; observes and reports clients’ behavior; prepares and submits incident or other related forms; updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required; enters computerized data as required; may provide outreach and transportation; performs related duties as required.
Inpatient Settings: In addition to the duties listed above, the duties move from providing one-on-one peer support to teaching coping and community adjustment skills and linking the client with important community resources, and include the following:
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Accompanies clients off the unit and onto the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation.
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Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community.
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May provide coverage at Peer Desk Center to engage and offer peer support to the general hospital population.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of community support systems and resources; knowledge of person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques; some knowledge of the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to observe and redirect client behavior; ability to utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Completion of the Recovery Support Specialist Certification.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have successfully completed the Recovery Support Specialist Certification, and still be certified, by the closing date.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain Recovery Support Specialist Certification.
2. Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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.
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.