STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Behavioral Health Unit Supervisor (40 Hour)

Recruitment #210223-0452FP-001

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 have a passion for supporting others? If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply! We seek an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Behavioral Health Unit Supervisor (PCN 126735). This position is located on Dutcher 3 North Unit within the Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, CT. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  This is a hazardous duty position.

In this role you will:

  • Provide administrative oversight to a multi-disciplinary, multi-shift community reintegration unit;
  • Maintain close collaborative working relationships with all subject areas responsible for the planning and functioning of unit activities;
  • Act as liaison between unit and hospital administration, as evidenced by, attending hospital wide meetings, including but not limited to, the morning report.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

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.

The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 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 Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Children and Families in-patient facility, this class is accountable for directing and supervising a multi-shift clinical unit.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Schedules, assigns and oversees the work of a multi-shift unit including direct supervision of all shifts; participates in the development of unit goals and objectives; develops unit procedures and policies; ensures compliance of unit procedures and policies; assists in recruitment, selection, training and development of staff; develops competency-based job descriptions for unit staff; ensures unit staff receive appropriate training; conducts performance appraisals, determines priorities and plans, coordinates and supervises unit activities; ensures cross-shift communication among staff; develops relationships with and acts as liaison to other operating units, agencies and outside officials; participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team to develop, evaluate and monitor programs; coordinates interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborate and direct any necessary alternate treatment; monitors and tracks client care to ensure quality, effectiveness and timeliness of patient care and requisite hours of treatment are met; facilitates bilingual interpretation as needed; identifies barriers and assists in developing strategies and solutions for improving client care; prepares reports; may perform clinical direct care duties; may write client treatment plans; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of behavioral health treatment, principles and values of care; considerable knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles and/or addictions detox rehabilitation; considerable knowledge of entitlement and benefit programs; considerable knowledge of variety of intervention and support strategies; knowledge and ability to apply principles of risk management; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of societal, cultural and gender issues as they impact upon mental illness; knowledge of psychotropic medications; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable facilitation, collaboration and conflict resolution skills; ability to identify and articulate philosophical foundations for specific program models or service approaches; ability to delegate authority; ability to plan and organize effectively; ability to integrate community resources into service delivery planning; ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with community representatives and staff; supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Seven (7) years of professional health care experience in a behavioral health setting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been at a lead or supervisory level responsible for coordinating the work of a unit or team of professionals in a behavioral health setting.

Note: For State employees, the lead level is interpreted at the level of Clinical Social Work Associate for the social work discipline and Head Nurse for the nursing discipline.  The supervisory level is interpreted at the level of Supervising Addiction Counselor for the substance abuse/addictions discipline. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  2. A Master's Degree in a health care field related to one of the disciplines in the Special Experience may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a current license as a Clinical Social Worker or as a Registered Professional Nurse or as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of Connecticut.
  2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess certification as a clinical supervisor by the Connecticut Certification Board.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
  4. Incumbents in this class maybe required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients, may have significant exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases and risk of injury and may be exposed to strongly 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.