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.
Capitol Region Mental Health Center (CRMHC) is a community based mental health center which provides an array of innovative clinical and community support services to individuals with a psychiatric disability, in many cases with co-occurring problems of substance abuse. CRMHC also collaborates with the Greater Hartford DMHAS-Funded Mental Health Programs that is comprised of 15 non-profit agencies located in Hartford and West Hartford. These agencies work together to provide a comprehensive array of behavioral health services to nearly 3300 individuals and families. We serve adults with serious psychiatric disabilities or the co-occurring disorders of psychiatric illness and substance use, 18 years and older who reside in Hartford (Catchment Area 23), West Hartford, Farmington, Avon, Canton and Simsbury (Catchment Are 18). Our mission is to partner with persons in recovery to ensure access to high quality and culturally competent person-centered behavioral healthcare services.
Are you looking to make an impact with those impacted by mental health and substance abuse? If so, this may be the job for you. We seek qualified individuals for the position of Recovery Support Specialist Trainee (PCN: 126009) for the CRMHC
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week. The schedule is 1st shift, Monday - Friday, working 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. We are located at 500 Vine Street in Hartford, CT 06112
Discovery the opportunity to:
- Provide coaching and guidance to assist individuals in identifying recovery goals, support networks, employment and/or educational opportunities;
- Utilize your own lived experience as well as evidence-based Illness Management techniques;
- Seek to engage individuals who might not otherwise respond to treaters;
- Provide education around client rights and responsibilities, tools for recovery and management of mental health, substance use and medical issues.
We participate in a competitive
benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off! We offer outstanding
work/life balance and limitless opportunity!
*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
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however applications to this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in this job class.
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 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:
- Bilingual Spanish-speaking ability;
- Experience working as a Recovery Support Specialist providing trauma-informed community-based care to clients with severe and persistent mental illness;
- Experience working with clients with a history of substance abuse issues having demonstrated knowledge of recovery resources in the Greater Hartford area;
- Experience working with concurrent documentation, utilization of electronic health record systems and tele-health treatment methods (Microsoft Teams, Office 365 suite, and voice/video);
- Experience working in an agency setting within a multi-disciplinary team approach to address medical issues, housing stability, financial assistance, occupational therapy goals and securing employment.
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.
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.
