STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Secretary 1

Office/On-site

Recruitment #260325-6976CL-001

Introduction

Are you a detail-oriented, customer-focused professional ready to serve as the front-desk Secretary 1 in our outpatient clinic?
If so, apply today!
THE POSITION
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHASis actively seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented professional to join our team as a Secretary 1.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • FACILITY: River Valley Services (RVS)
  • TEAMWellness & Recovery
  • LOCATION: 351 Silver Street, Middletown, CT
  • SCHEDULE: Full-Time, 40 Hours per week, First Shift
  • Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
  • POSITION NUMBER: 00026388

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

DISCOVER THE OPPPORTUNITY TO
  • Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals; 
  • Provide support that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve; 
  • Assist our clients so they can achieve success; 
  • Make a difference in the public sector; and 
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment. 
THE ROLE
  • Ensuring smooth day-to-day clinic operations. 
  • Greeting and assisting clients, managing phone, email, and in-person inquiries, coordinating appointment scheduling, and providing administrative support to clinical and medical records staff. 
  • Assisting with report tracking, supporting quality and compliance efforts, and helping ensure the proper handling of confidential information in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. 
  • The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, experience in healthcare or behavioral health settings, familiarity with electronic health record systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. 
  • This role is key to maintaining an organized, welcoming, and efficient clinical environment that supports both staff and the individuals we serve.


ABOUT US 
DMHAS is the state agency responsible for providing a comprehensive system of behavioral health services for adults experiencing mental health and substance use conditions across Connecticut. DMHAS works to ensure accessible, recovery-oriented, and evidence-based care through community programs, state-operated services, and partnerships with local providers. The agency is committed to improving outcomes for individuals with severe and persistent behavioral health needs by coordinating services, promoting early access to care, and supporting safe transitions across levels of treatment.

River Valley Services (RVS), a community mental health center serving Middlesex County and the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme, is operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). RVS’s goal is to provide the highest quality crisis intervention, case management, and residential and clinical services to adult citizens, 18 years of age and older, who suffer from serious mental disorders and who lack the financial means to secure such services in the private sector. 

Services are directed at improving clients’ quality of life and fostering dignity, ability, and recovery. We are dedicated to promoting a complete and responsive service system for our clients and others in need. All persons receiving services from River Valley Services have the right to culturally appropriate mental health and addiction services consistent with their communication needs and personal preferences. Translation and interpreter services are available at RVS. 

PLEASE NOTE:

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?  Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting. 
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY: 

  • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 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, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Anamaria Giangarra at Anamaria.giangarra@ct.gov

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for performing a full range of secretarial support functions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs a variety of secretarial duties as described in the following areas:

  • TYPING:
    • Using computers, tablets, and other electronic equipment, formats and types a full range of correspondence, reports, bills, drafts, etc. from rough draft, transcription, dictated notes, etc.;
    • Proofreads for content;
    • Edits using knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling.
  • FILING:
    • Designs office filing systems;
    • Organizes and maintains files (including confidential files);
    • Maintains, updates and reviews reference materials and manuals.
  • CORRESPONDENCE:
    • Composes routine letters/memoranda, etc. (e.g., standard replies and acknowledgement letters) for supervisor's signature.
  • REPORT WRITING:
    • Compiles information from standard sources and prepares data reports (e.g., number of forms processed during the month).
  • INTERPERSONAL:
    • Greets and directs visitors;
    • Answers phones and takes messages;
    • Answers questions requiring knowledge of terminology, organization, supervisor's responsibilities, etc. (e.g., appropriate referrals, general purpose of the unit).
  • PROCESSING:
    • Scans correspondence;
    • Pulls and attaches related materials;
    • Reviews, routes and prioritizes mail.
  • SECRETARY:
    • Arranges and coordinates meetings (including space and equipment);
    • Writes minutes of meetings, lectures, conferences, etc. from rough draft;
    • Takes notes and/or meeting minutes;
    • Prepares expense accounts;
    • Makes travel arrangements.
  • OFFICE MANAGEMENT:
    • Maintains an inventory of supplies and equipment;
    • Orders supplies when necessary;
    • Completes, processes, and maintains paperwork for purchasing (e.g., orders, requisitions, invoices, etc.);
    • Maintains time and attendance records;
Performs related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • office systems and procedures;
    • proper grammar, punctuation and spelling;
  • Knowledge of
    • business communications;
    • business math;
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to
    • schedule and prioritize office workflow;
    • operate office equipment which includes computers, tablets, and other electronic equipment;
    • operate office suite software;
    • take notes (shorthand, speedwriting or other method acceptable to the supervisor).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience above the routine clerk level in office support or secretarial work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in the secretarial sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of one (1) year.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with Healthcare Privacy and confidentiality regulations.
  • Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or hospital setting.
  • Experience in front-desk operations, including greeting visitors, managing phone, email, in-person inquiries, and coordinating appointment scheduling.
  • Experience working with an electronic health record system.
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Access.

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.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.