STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Mental Health Trainee (40 Hour)

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #230106-5725FK-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 for you to join our hospital’s team. 

THE ROLE: 
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is currently seeking two qualified individuals for the position of Mental Health Trainee.  As a Mental Health Trainee, you will participate in one year development program designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to perform the full functions of the target class of Mental Health Assistant 1.

POSITION SPECIFICS:
  • FACILITY: Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC)
  • LOCATION: Clinical Operations Department
  • ADDRESS: 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT
  • SCHEDULE: Full-Time, 40 hours weekly, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • POSITION NUMBERS: 136971 & 136972 
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU! Comprehensive Benefits which include: 
  • Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage; 
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings; 
  • Retirement healthcare offerings; 
  • Accrued vacation, personal and sick leave; 
  • 13 paid holidays per calendar year; 
  • Professional growth and development opportunities; 
  • Outstanding work-life balance
*PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
  • New hires to the classification of Mental Health Trainee shall be paid an hourly rate of $22.84.  Upon successful completion of the working test period, effective the payroll period following, the Employee shall be compensated at an hourly rate of $23.90. Employees who have previously completed a working test period in an 1199-covered direct-care position shall not be subject to this reduced training rate upon transfer or promotion.
AS A MENTAL HEALTH TRAINEE YOU WILL:   
  • Greet and manage clients as they present to the main entrance;
  • Connect clients to crisis and triage services;
  • Liaison to clinical team providers;
  • Monitor the agency’s front entrance and walk-in services; 
  • Maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu for clients served; and 
  • Support and encourage clients to participate in clinical services.
OUR MISSION:
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. 

ABOUT US: 
CMHC is an urban community mental health center with an exceptional 50-year tradition of serving individuals with serious mental illness and/or addiction.  Founded in 1966, CMHC is a partnership between DHMAS and the Yale Department of Psychiatry. CMHC is nationally recognized for its scientific research into the causes and treatment of mental illness and addiction.  The Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities include multiple research programs in a variety of areas.  CMHC is also a major training site for individuals pursuing careers in mental health fields including psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing and pastoral care. 

Come make an impaCT as a Mental Health Trainee at DMHAS! 
We encourage you to apply today!  

Selection Plan

This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID-19 Vaccination Immunization.

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.
Important Next Step Information for 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 Doreen Clemson at Doreen.Clemson@ct.gov or 860-785-9855.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, community mental health facility or program this class is accountable for receiving education and training in theoretical and clinical mental health principles and practices and for assisting in the provision of direct care to clients or providing support services to clients in community respite programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Receives education and on-the-job training in theoretical and clinical mental health principles and practices; assists in monitoring and providing support and/or rehabilitation services to clients; interacts with clients in goal directed activities; participates in activities of daily living with assigned clients; observes and reports clients behavior; establishes and maintains relationships with clients; encourages clients to participate in ward and outside activities; writes and submits incident or other related reports when directed; ensures confidentiality of oral and written instructions for carrying out client care procedures; cooperates in maintenance of a safe and healthy environment within treatment facility; may assist in development and/or administration of a treatment plan; may manage client behaviors through verbal communication as needed; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Interpersonal skills; listening skills; attending skills; observation skills; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to work and empathize with individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Experience and/or training that could be expected to provide the required knowledge, skill and ability listed above including but not restricted to completion of a mental health trainee certificate program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience communicating and interacting with a diverse population. 
  • Experience working in a hospital setting. 
  • Experience working with individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
  • Experience providing support services.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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 current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator license.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

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.