STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Treatment Specialist (35 Hour)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #220505-6617HN-001

Introduction


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!

ABOUT US
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health & 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.  

THE POSITION  
WFH seeks an experienced and qualified individual for the position of Forensic Treatment Specialist. The reporting location is the Whiting Max Security of the Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, CT, which is easily accessible off Route 9. This position is full-time, 3rd Shift, with a work schedule of 10:45PM to 7:15AM with the following days off: 

  • Week 1: Monday and Tuesday
  • Week 2: Saturday, Sunday, and Thursday
Working overtime is a requirement of this position. This is a Hazardous Duty position. The position number is 126375.

Discover the opportunity to:
  • Provide for 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 with and the ability to respond to and deescalate patients in crisis  
For more information, please refer to the job specification.  

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME 
  • We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 12 paid holidays per calendar year. 
  • We encourage a strong work/life balance for all state employees.
  • We offer opportunities for professional and personal growth. 
  • We have limitless areas for you to perform relevant and significant work.

Selection Plan

TO APPLY
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 
  • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
AFTER YOU APPLY 
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
CONNECT WITH US 
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. 
  • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Jensine Tran at jensine.tran@ct.gov

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

  • 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 

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.

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.