What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recovery Support Specialist (40 Hour) (Office/On-Site) position at State of Connecticut - Department of Mental Health...?
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!
ABOUT US:
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.
THE POSITION:
We are currently recruiting a passionate Recovery Support Specialist to join our team.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- SCHEDULE: Full-Time (40 Hour), Monday - Friday, First Shift (8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.)
- FACILITY: Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN)
- DIVISION: Young Adult Services and Outpatient Team
- ADDRESS: 78 Triangle Street, Danbury
- PCN: 140617
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page;
- Professional growth and development opportunities;
- A healthy work/life balance;
- Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers!
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
- Provide coaching and guidance to assist individuals in identifying recovery goals, support networks, employment and/or educational opportunities;
- Utilize your own lived experience as well as evidence-based Wellness Management techniques; and
- Provide education around client rights and responsibilities, tools for recovery and management of mental health, substance use and medical issues.
ABOUT THE FACILITY:
The Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN) was formed in 1996 by the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), in order to coordinate clinical, fiscal and administrative oversight of Region 5 contracted and state-operated mental health services. Within this service system, there are three state-operated Local Mental Health Authorities, which are located in Waterbury, Danbury and Torrington. In partnership with the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network they provide and coordinate local clinical services. Over 200 staff including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation, vocational and mental health workers provide services for persons with a long-term mental illness.
Transitional Housing/Respite Services: Provides support to clients residing in the Young Adult Transitional Housing program.
The Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN) was formed in 1996 by the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), in order to coordinate clinical, fiscal and administrative oversight of Region 5 contracted and state-operated mental health services. Within this service system, there are three state-operated Local Mental Health Authorities, which are located in Waterbury, Danbury and Torrington. In partnership with the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network they provide and coordinate local clinical services. Over 200 staff including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation, vocational and mental health workers provide services for persons with a long-term mental illness.
Transitional Housing/Respite Services: Provides support to clients residing in the Young Adult Transitional Housing program.
Please note:
- A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
- All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.
Start with us. Stay with us. Grow with us.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library 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.
- 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:
- 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 Nicole Frascatore via Nicole.Frascatore@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services this class is accountable for using shared life experiences and recovery management techniques to engage, motivate, educate and mentor clients in achieving individualized goals for successful community living.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Guides clients through the process of defining personal goals for their recovery plan using existing evidence-based workbooks or person-centered planning tools;
- Supports and guides clients in following tasks outlined in their recovery plan (i.e., pursuing goals related to employment, education, community involvement and the use of natural supports);
- Guides clients in identifying and exercising their rights;
- Participates in rehabilitative and recovery-oriented interventions to meet client needs and goals;
- Provides information and support to clients and encourages their development of community networks and activities relating to community integration;
- Provides instruction and skill training in recovery management to clients and families;
- Acts as a peer health navigator to engage clients who have, or are at risk for, co-morbid medical conditions in wellness activities;
- Supports clients to secure information about resources relevant to their wellness;
- Supports clients in obtaining services that meet their recovery needs;
- Supports clients in dealing with internal and external stress;
- Attends medical/clinical appointments with clients in a peer capacity;
- Accompanies clients as peers on volunteer opportunities and activities;
- Organizes and conducts workshops on topics related to recovery and wellness including New Employee Orientation at the local level;
- Observes and reports clients’ behavior;
- Prepares and submits incident or other related forms;
- Updates clients’ notes in the medical record as required;
- Enters computerized data as required;
- May coach adaptive client behaviors through verbal communication;
- May provide outreach and transportation;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of
- community support systems and resources;
- person-centered planning, Wellness Recovery Action Planning and other recovery management techniques;
- the principles and procedures of psychiatric rehabilitation;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to
- observe and redirect client behavior;
- utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) months of experience working in the mental health and/or substance use recovery field.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
Six (6) months of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience participating in person-centered recovery planning.
- Experience assisting clients or patients with assessing community resources.
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
- Experience using shared life experience to engage and motivate clients.
- Experience providing recovery-oriented services to young adults with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a recovery support certification.
- Incumbents must adhere to the DMHAS Peer Support Ethical Guidelines.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
