STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Treatment Specialist (Multiple Positions)

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #220805-6617HN-MHA

Introduction

Are you looking to help your state in a time of need? 
Does a career in state service as a Forensic Treatment Specialist excite you?! 
If so, come Make an ImpaCT by serving your state! 
Read below and apply today! 

WHO WE ARE: 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. 

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 ROLE: WFH is currently accepting applications for multiple Forensic Treatment Specialist positions. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our direct-care team to improve the well-being for our clients/patients. These positions will be filled within Whiting Maximum Security.  They are full-time, part-time, first, second and third shift positions.   They are all hazardous duty. 

NOTE: Current DMHAS permanent employees in the classification of Forensic Treatment Specialist should not apply.  Permanent DMHAS employees in the classification of Forensic Treatment Specialist transfers will be handled through the DMHAS Lateral Transfer Agreement.  Positions through this posting are permanent positions with temporary assignments. Permanent assignments will be completed at a later date after the agency transfer list has been cleared.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL: 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. 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER - Comprehensive Benefit Offerings

  • Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage; 
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings; 
  • Paid time off - including 12 paid holidays per calendar year; 
  • Professional growth and development opportunities; and 
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees! 
*Benefit offerings will vary with part-time positions. 

We welcome you to be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals and assist our clients/patients so they can achieve success. You will experience the opportunity to make a difference in the public sector as well as Make an ImpaCT as a Forensic Treatment Specialist for the State of Connecticut! We encourage you to apply today! 

FOR AN INSIDE LOOK: Check out the video below to see what it is like to Make an ImpaCT as a State of Connecticut employee.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: 

  • 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.
  • Annual salary range based on weekly hours of position: 
Part-time hourly - $30.34 - $40.43 
35 hours weekly - $55,413 - $73,850 
37.50 hours weekly - $59,372 - $79,125
40 hours weekly - $63,329 - $84,399 

TO APPLY: 

  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. We are no longer accepting resumes in accordance with PA 21-69. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system. 
  • Please select all shift(s) and employment status(es) (Full-time, Part-time, etc.) in which you are willing to work on your application. Failure to indicate the shift(s) and employment status(es) may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific shift and/or employment status. 
  • 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
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AFTER YOU APPLY: 

  • 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. 
  • 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. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 
  • WFH may choose to review applications generated from this posting to fill Forensic Treatment Specialist positions at various units, shifts, etc. If so, these positions will NOT be posted separately on JobAps. When a new, similar Forensic Treatment Specialist posting is announced (with a recruitment number ending in MHA), you must re-apply for consideration. 
  • Note: WFH may have a need to post a job opening for a more ‘specific’ Forensic Treatment Specialist position geared towards WFH's specific position(s). Those types of Forensic Treatment Specialist job openings on JobAps will NOT use applications from this recruitment pool. You must apply to those postings in order to be considered for appointment to those specific position(s). We encourage you to apply to each Forensic Treatment Specialist posting you are interested in. Please sign up for Interest Cards to be notified when Forensic Treatment Specialist recruitments are posted. 
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. 
  • Should you have any 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.