STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Treatment Specialist (35 Hour)

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #220615-6617HN-001

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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. 

Are you a self-starter? Do you have a passion for supporting others? 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 for you to join our hospital’s team. 

The DMHAS, Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH), seeks experienced and qualified individuals for multiple Forensic Treatment Specialists.  These positions are located at 1000 Silver Street in Middletown, CT. They are hazardous duty positions.  Working overtime is a requirement.  All positions are full-time, 35 hours weekly with a work schedule of 2nd shift, 2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. and the following days off: 

Unit 2:  

  • PCN 24053 - Week One: Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday / Week Two: Monday & Tuesday
Unit 3: 

  • PCN 24003 - Week One: Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday / Week Two: Tuesday & Wednesday
  • PCN 25023 - Week One: Friday & Monday / Week Two: Saturday, Sunday & Thursday
  • PCN 25034 - Week One: Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday / Week Two: Tuesday & Wednesday
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. 

*This salary range may increase effective July 1, 2022.

Selection Plan

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. 

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. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 

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 possess the following:  

  • 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.





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