Mental Health Assistant 1 (40 Hour) (Office/On-Site)

JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY!

THE POSITION:

The

State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking an experienced Mental Health Assistant 1 to join our team.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• WORK SCHEDULE: Full-Time (40 Hours), Second Shift (4:00 P.M. - 12:30 A.M.), Monday - Friday, Every other weekend and rotating holidays
  
• FACILITY: Capitol Region Mental Health Center (CRMHC)
  
• UNIT: Inpatient Unit
  
• ADDRESS: 500 Vine Street, Hartford, CT
  
• PCN: 26793
  

• 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.
  

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Visit our newState Employee Benefits Overview page;
  
• Professional growth and development opportunities;
  
• A healthy work/life balance!
  

AS A MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT 1 YOU WILL:

• Work among professionals whose treatment goals developed for clients/patients are aimed to help individuals be stabilized, rehabilitated, and return to community-based living;
  
• Join a patient-care delivery team whose focus is on individualized treatment planning for each patient in a therapeutic environment;
  
• Stay up to date with changes that affect today�s society by participating in on-going education and training activities; and
  
• Apply your skills and experience to enhance self-worth of our clients/patients.
  

ABOUT US:TheState 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.

CRMHC is a community based mental health center serving Hartford, West Hartford, Farmington, Avon, Canton and Simsbury providing individuals with behavioral health services. CRMHC collaborates with the greater Hartford DMHAS-Funded mental health programs comprising 15 non-profit agencies located in Hartford and West Hartford. These agencies work together to provide a comprehensive array of behavioral health services to adults with serious psychiatric disabilities as well as co-occurring psychiatric illness and substance use.

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

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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)

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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

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• 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.
  

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

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• 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

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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• 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

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• Experience on Inpatient Units/Departments.
  
• Experience providing direct care in a behavioral health setting.
  
• Experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
  
• Experience in therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation techniques to clients/patients.
  
• Experience providing assistance with activities of daily living in an inpatient setting.
  
• Experience observing and recording client/patient behavior in an inpatient setting and preparing pertinent reports.
  
• Experience using WORD and EXCEL computer software.
  
• Experience using an Electronic Medical Record.
  
• Experience transporting clients.
  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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• 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

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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.