State School Teacher (12 Months)

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 an experienced and qualified individual for the position of State School Teacher (PCN 127719).  This position is located within WFH in Middletown, CT.  It is a full-time, thirty-five (35) hours per week position, working 12 months out of the year.  The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  This position is Hazardous Duty.   

WFH specializes in providing inpatient services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system.  We consist 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:  

• Be responsible for building general adult and special educational programs for WFH patients; 
• Offer assistance and support for patients seeking certificates in specialized programs, high school diploma/GED and those seeking degrees in higher education; 
• Provide literacy programs for WFH Patients; 
• Secure and deliver special and general educational services for WFH patients; 
• Provide both group and individual services to patients in accordance with their individualized treatment plans; and
• Participate in the treatment planning process and Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and development for assigned patients.  

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

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.  

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the job classification.  

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.   

In a state institution, facility or region within a state unified school district, teaches appropriate early intervention, elementary, secondary, special subjects and/or special education curricula to individuals enrolled in departmental education programs.

Teaches early intervention, elementary, secondary, special subject and/or special education curricula; develops educational plans for individuals and groups material level to students ability; sets short and long term goals and evaluates progress of students; participates in planning team meetings and case review conferences assessing student behavior; may hold conferences with parents or officials concerned with student's performance; relates to professionals in ancillary educational roles; maintains student records and writes reports; performs related work as required.

Knowledge of the philosophy and methods of education and teaching; knowledge of the principles and practices of education for special needs population; knowledge of student program needs and goal setting; ability to motivate students; ability to communicate at the appropriate level; ability to establish cooperative relationships with those contacted in work; ability to prepare written reports.

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the Comprehensive Special Education K-12(#165) with an External Diploma and Noncredit Mandated Programs endorsement (#107).

1. Employment in this class is conditional upon possession of a valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate appropriate to the teaching assignment.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle operator's license.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made prior to appointment.

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.