STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Treatment Specialist (35 Hour)

Recruitment #210331-6617HN-004

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.

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! 

The DMHAS, Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH), seeks experienced and qualified individuals for the position of Forensic Treatment Specialist (Six Positions - PCNs: 24160, 126375, 126377, 126378, 126381, 126383).  These positions are within the Whiting Max Security Unit of WFH.  We are located in Middletown, CT and easily accessible off of Route 9.  They are full-time, 3rd shift, hazardous duty positions.  The work schedule is 10:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m., every other weekend and holidays.  Working overtime is a requirement of these positions. 

We specialize 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. 

Discover the opportunity to: 

  • Provide continuity and coordination of patient care; 
  • Collaborate with unit staff and be responsive to patient care needs; 
  • Ensure a safe and therapeutic milieu within a maximum-security psychiatric treatment program; 
  • Establish therapeutic relationships and respond to and deescalate patients in crisis; and  
  • Be a part of a challenging yet rewarding experience. 

We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a hazardous duty pension plan as well as paid time off!  We encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees.

Selection Plan

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. 

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.  

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. 

Applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

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) 785-9855.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Mental Health at Whiting Forensic Institute, under established security conditions, this class is accountable for developing and maintaining an effective therapeutic environment for patients.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients; may informally counsel patients as need arises; actively participates in team patient care conferences; performs patient care duties such as feeding, bathing, dressing patients; takes vital signs; observes, reports and records patient behaviors and appearance; effectively implements security regulations; prevents unauthorized movement of patients, visitors and personnel; performs housekeeping tasks, escorts patients and secures supplies and materials; assists in transfer of patients from and to security treatment facility; monitors and participates in patient management on units; after proper training, may prepare and administer medication other than controlled substances and perform first aid procedures; may participate in group counseling sessions; may participate in patient activities; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of psychiatric procedures and principles involved in care and treatment of the mentally ill; knowledge of modern medical, therapeutic and psychiatric routines, methods and procedures; knowledge of safe patient custody in a security treatment area; knowledge of human behavior, behavioral manifestations of mental illness and principles involved in care and treatment of the mentally ill; considerable interpersonal skills; ability to perform basic first aid procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years' experience in the care of the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Satisfactory completion of a Medication Course may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. Certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
2. Sixty (60) or more credit hours of college education may be substituted for one (1) year of the General experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Our preferred candidate will have: 

  • Experience dealing with clients that have behavioral health issues; 
  • Experience working in a congregate care or hospital setting; 
  • Experience working with clientele that had to be placed in restraints or seclusion; 
  • Experience working in a secured locked treatment unit; and 
  • Experience working with dually diagnosed clients.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate will be made before persons are certified for permanent appointment. Candidates who do not have good character are not eligible for permanent employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain patients; may have significant exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from patients; may be exposed to significant mental stress and other extremely 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.