STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (35 Hour)

Recruitment #201124-5728HN-001

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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.

Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) specializes in providing inpatient services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The hospital consists of 91 maximum security beds and 138 enhanced security beds. Services are provided to individuals who are admitted under the following categories: Psychiatric Security Review Board commitment, Criminal court order for restoration of competency to stand trial, Civil commitment (voluntary or involuntary) and Transfer from the Department of Correction (during period of incarceration or at end of sentence). Discharge options are dependent on legal status and the purpose of admission.

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? If so, we have an excellent opportunity to join our hospital’s team! WFH seeks an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (PCN 125932). This position is located within the Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, CT. This is a full-time, thirty-five (35) hour per week position. The work schedule is Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Discover the opportunity to:
  • Facilitate and/or Co-facilitate groups on the units and at the Page Library;
  • Serve as a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator;
  • Meet 1:1 to support patients with recovery;
  • Document group attendance and patient encounters within DMHAS approved databases;
  • Attend Treatment plan review meetings (TPR) and court hearings as requested by patient/team;
  • Promote self -advocacy by assisting recovering persons to have their voices fully heard -their needs, goals and objectives established as the focal point of rehabilitation and clinical services;
  • Develop relationships with community groups/agencies in partnership with others in the agency.
We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off!

*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

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error. 

This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications - as listed on the job opening - will be considered for this role, as determined by qualifications stated on the submitted application. 

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position. Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. 

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system. 

Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Andrew Pebley at Andrew.Pebley@ct.gov or (860) 785-6185.

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:

• Accompanies clients off the unit and onto the hospital campus or community to practice entering unexpected situations and managing stress and disorientation.
• Accompanies clients on day passes to the community to acclimate the client to their new community.
• 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

Our preferred candidate will have:
  • Congregate care setting with adults with behavioral health issues.

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.





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