STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Forensic Treatment Specialist (Multiple Positions)

Office/On-Site

Recruitment #240402-6617HN-001

Go Back View Benefits

Introduction



Looking for an exciting opportunity to make a real impact?
Join us and be part of a revolutionary team shaping the future!

Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH), under the umbrella of the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking qualified individuals for multiple openings on our team as Forensic Treatment Specialists. These roles will develop and maintain an effective therapeutic environment for patients. These positions are considered Hazardous Duty. Find out more information on this great opportunity below!

ROLE INFORMATION:
  • Work Schedules: This recruitment is for all work schedules, on first, second and third shifts.
  • Work Hours: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
  • Work Unit: This recruitment is for all units with Whiting Maximum Security.
  • Location: 70 O'Brien Drive, Middletown, CT
Note: Permanent DMHAS employees in the classification of Forensic Treatment Specialist should not apply; transfers within DMHAS will be handled through the agency lateral transfer process. Candidates hired from this posting may be initially provided with a temporary assignment; the permanent assignment will be determined within the first six months of employment.

BENEFITS BEYOND PAY:
State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive comprehensive benefits plan that includes:
  • A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation’s best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D
  • Generous paid time off, include 13 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings
  • Retirement healthcare offerings
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
  • A healthy work/life balance!
You'd be able to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
  • Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals;
  • Provide support to hospital that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
  • Assist our clients and employees so they can achieve success;
  • Make a difference in the public sector; and
  • Work together in a collaborative team environment.
MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND FACILITIES:

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.

Our mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive, and individualized treatment and evaluation services for patients with mental health conditions who are involved in the criminal justice system or are not yet ready to be safely treated in less restrictive settings. This is accomplished with full respect for the civil and human rights of each patient. Our goal is to assist individuals to manage their illnesses and achieve personal recovery goals through developing the skills necessary to live safely in the community.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
Important Information:
  • Permanent DMHAS employees in the classification of Forensic Treatment Specialist should not apply; transfers within DMHAS will be handled through the agency lateral transfer process.
  • Candidates hired from this posting may be initially provided with a temporary assignment; the permanent assignment will be determined within the first six months of employment.
  • Salary Information:
    • Part-Time Roles: $31.09-$41.44 Hourly
    • Full-Time (35 Hrs/Week) Roles: $56,799-$75,697 Yearly
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.
  • In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, 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 recruiter listed on this job posting.
  • 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. Read through this helpful link to prepare for your interview.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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 Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov, 860-924-7053.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Mental Health at Whiting Forensic Hospital 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;
  • 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 informally counsel patients as need arises;
  • 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;
    • modern medical, therapeutic and psychiatric routines, methods and procedures;
    • safe patient custody in a security treatment area;
    • 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 of 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

  • Certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
  • 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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.




E-mailPhone: (860) 713-52058am - 4:30pm M-FPowered by JobAps