Mental Health Assistant 1 (35 Hour)

Introduction

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal health care environment in the public sector? Join our team today to make a significant impact and lead with excellence! THE POSITION The�State of Connecticut,�Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services�(DMHAS)�is now hiring for Mental Health Assistant 1s to join their team! Please note: these positions can be assigned any unit/location and work schedule/shift within GBCMHC. The information below are the immediate vacancies of the agency.� HIGHLIGHTS FACILITY:�Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System�(SWCMHS) LOCATION:�Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center (GBCMHC) ADDRESS:�1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT� UNIT: Co-Occurring Treatment Unit (CTU), Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) 1 and 2 SCHEDULE: First Shift (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), Second Shift (4:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.), or Third Shift (12:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.) with every other weekend and rotating holidays WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU Visit our�new�State Employee Benefits Overview�page!� 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. Professional growth and development opportunities A health�work/life balance�to all employees *Benefits may vary or not apply for specific part-time positions.� *STARTING SALARY INFORMATION New hires�to the classification of Mental Health Assistant 1 shall be paid an hourly rate of $26.31.�� Upon successful�completion of the working test period, effective the payroll period following, the Employee shall be compensated at an hourly rate of $27.58. 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. DISCOVER THE OPPPORTUNITY TO Provide treatment for severely and acutely ill psychiatric patients who require a safe, supportive, highly structured hospital level of care; Work with a treatment team that develops goals to assist patients to stabilize, rehabilitate, and establish and focus on their recovery goals; Assist patients in regaining a level of functioning that will allow them to transition to a less restrictive environment and to return to community-based living; 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 psychiatric treatment program; Establish therapeutic relationships; Respond to and deescalate patients in crisis; Support and assist patients with transferring from bed to chair, commode, and ambulation as needed to maintain safety and prevent falls; and Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of providers, and other patient natural supports to ensure patients receive the highest quality of mental health care. NOTE Permanent�DMHAS employees in the classification of Mental Health Assistant 1 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. ABOUT US� 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.� SWCMHS strives to provide high quality, compassionate and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to adults with behavioral health disorders who are indigent. With three locations throughout Fairfield County, SWCMHS, promotes and administers comprehensive recovery oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs and outpatient clinical services, as well as a wide range of additional supportive treatment services.� 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.�

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 Jensine Tran at�Jensine.Tran@ct.gov.� Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for assisting in the assessment, planning and implementation of paraprofessional nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions designed to support clients' short and/or long-term needs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Participates in assigned nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions to meet client short and long-term needs;� Advocates for services or resources that meet client needs and preferences;� Assists client in developing effective strategies for managing internal and external stress;� Routinely solicits personal goals and preferences;� Identifies and facilitates use of appropriate support networks;� Participates in education and training activities to further skill development;� Participates in admission and discharge planning activities;� Protects civil rights of client;� Maintains a safe and healthy environment;� May manage client behaviors through verbal communication as needed;� Performs related duties as required. COMMUNITY OR OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS:� Functions as a member of a case management team or program;� Participates in assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients in community at large (i.e., emergency rooms, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs, etc.);� Assists client in learning and practicing daily living skills, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills;� Provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision. INPATIENT WARD OR UNIT:� Communicates and interacts with clients;� Participates in development of nursing care and treatment plans;� Encourages client to participate in therapeutic activities;� Observes and records client behavior and prepares pertinent reports;� Participates in on-going education and training programs;� May participate in follow up of client in community-based services;� May supervise self-administration of oral medication.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of acceptable standards of nursing care;� psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles and procedures;� community support systems and resources;� Considerable interpersonal skills;� oral and written communication skills;� counseling skills;� Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience at the level of a Mental Health Trainee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

An Associate's degree in mental health technology may be substituted for the General Experience. Two (2) years of college training in a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience. One (1) year of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist providing peer support to agency clients may be substituted for the General Experience. Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for one-half (1/2) year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in a clinical setting and providing verbal de-escalation techniques to clients/patients Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team/program Experience providing leadership/direction to colleagues on a team Experience providing assistance with activities of daily living in an inpatient setting Experience assisting clients/patients in short- and long-term needs through the participation of assigned nursing, clinical and rehabilitative interventions Experience participating in admission and discharge planning Experience observing and recording client/patient behavior in an inpatient setting and preparing pertinent reports

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients and may have significant exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases, strongly disagreeable conditions and risk of injury.

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.

Salary : $26 - $28