Mental Health Assistant 2 (35 Hour)

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, 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). 

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 immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class. 

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. 

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. 

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 Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, community behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for leading Mental Health Assistants in the assessment, planning and implementation of paraprofessional nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions designed to support client short and/or long-term needs. In outpatient or community programs this class is accountable for independently performing the full range of paraprofessional functions in case management and crisis intervention services.

Participates in assigned nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions to meet client short and long-term needs; advocates for services or resources that meet client needs and preferences; observes and records client behavior; prepares incident and accident reports; monitors client progress; assists client with decision making and problem solving; assists client in learning and utilizing daily living skills, budgeting, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills; acts as a role model and instructs staff in crisis intervention techniques; develops goal directed relationships with individuals and/or groups; identifies and facilitates use of appropriate support networks; investigates alternative placement for client; participates in education and training activities to further skill development; participates in admission and discharge planning activities; protects civil rights of client; maintains a safe and healthy environment; may coordinate and direct programs and activities for a group of clients; performs related duties as required.

Community and/or Outpatient Programs: Functions as a team member of a case management or crisis intervention team; participates in assessment crisis, monitoring within facility or community at large (i.e. emergency rooms jails, homeless shelters, outpatients programs, etc.); provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision; identifies and reinforces client skills, strengths, resources and preferences; applies accepted standards of nursing care to clients; participates in community outreach programs that include crisis intervention and family contact in home settings; identifies and accesses wide range of community resources; participates as a liaison to community agencies; makes arrangements for outpatient appointments; consults with care givers in other facilities regarding crisis intervention techniques; manages client behaviors through verbal communication when necessary; may problem solve with clients in community.

Inpatient Ward or Unit: Leads, trains and participates in training and development of Mental Health Assistants and other assigned employees; participates in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu; coordinates maintenance of a safe and healthy living environment; participates in meeting psychological and physical needs of client; identifies client strengths and assists in development of treatment plans; orients new client to ward or unit; participates in team nursing activities and development of nursing care and rehabilitation programs; may supervise self-administration of oral medications; may assist with data collection.

Considerable knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles, practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of acceptable standards of nursing care; knowledge of dynamics of human behavior; knowledge of hygiene and sanitation; knowledge of safety and fire procedures and security measures; knowledge of community resources and programs; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable communication skills; considerable counseling skills; observation skills; ability to lead staff; ability to supervise client activity; ability to interpret and implement agency and/or facility policies and procedures; ability to apply principles of therapeutic counseling under supervision; ability to develop curricula and instruct groups; organizational ability; ability to understand, interpret and carry out oral and written instructions.

Three (3) years' experience at the level of Mental Health Assistant 1.

1. College training in mental health technology, a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling six (6) months of experience to a maximum of two (2) years.
2. Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for six (6) months of the General Experience.

Our preferred candidate will possess experience in: 

• Experience working in a short-term residential unit for patients/clients undergoing severe psychological distress. 
• Experience working with patients/clients suffering severe psychological distress who are working on a plan to avoid hospitalization and/or stepping down from hospitalization.
• Experience completing initial assessments for patients/clients with acute psychiatric and acute addictive problems.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
2 . Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.