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 Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) is an urban community mental health center with an exceptional 30-year tradition of serving individuals with serious mental illness. Founded in 1966, we care for more than 5,000 people a year in a variety of services! We treat individuals suffering from severe and persistent psychosis, depression, anxiety, addictions (including alcoholism, cocaine, and gambling) and those with co-existing mental health and addiction problems.
Are you looking for a role 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? If so, we suggest you apply! We seek qualified individuals for the position of Mental Health Assistant 1 (PCNs: 114489 & 114491) for our Acute Inpatient Care Unit. These positions are located at 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519. The schedule is full-time (35 hours per week), second shift, working 3:30pm to 12:00am, with a rotating schedule including weekends and holidays. Ability to work overtime is required and depends on operational needs.
- Days off weeks 1 and 2: Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, Wednesday.
- Days off weeks 3 and 4: Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, Monday, Tuesday.
- Days off weeks 5 and 6: Saturday, Sunday, Friday, Tuesday.
Discover the opportunity to:
- Transport patients to and from appointments and temporary leaves outside of building.
- Participate and lead in group activities with clients.
- Assist with basic ADLs and vital signs.
- Ensure patient safety at all times by monitoring patient constant observations and routine observations.
- Provide accurate and precise documentation.
- Be responsible for Urine Toxicology screens and sharp counts.
We participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan, as well as, paid time off! We offer outstanding work/life balance and limitless opportunity.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however applications to this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in this job class.
This position may be subject to Federal requirements for COVID 19 Vaccination Immunization.
All state hospital employees or employees working in a long-term care setting or prospective state hospital employee or prospective employee working in a long-term care setting shall follow Special Act 22-1.
During the Application Process:
The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
Effective October 1, 2021 and 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.
Throughout the Recruitment:
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.
Applicant Correspondence – 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 position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications – as listed on the job opening – will be considered for this role, as determined by qualifications stated on the submitted application.
Please 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. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.
Contact Information:
Should you have questions regarding this recruitment please contact Andrew Pebley at Andrew.Pebley@ct.gov or
(860) 785-6185.
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.
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 of acceptable standards of nursing care; knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles and procedures; knowledge of community support systems and resources; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable communication skills; considerable counseling skills; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
One (1) year’s experience at the level of Mental Health Trainee.
1. An Associate’s degree in mental health technology may be substituted for the General Experience.
2. Two (2) years of college training in a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience.
3. One (1) year of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist providing peer support to agency clients may be substituted for the General Experience.
4. Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for six (6) months of the General Experience.
Our preferred candidate will have:
- Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, mental health and substance abuse disorders.
- Experience with patients/clients with psychiatric disabilities in a hospital setting.
- Experience advocating for services that meet client needs.
- Experience participating in the development of nursing care and treatment plans.
1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
More Information
- Salary Offers $45,642 - $61,477 a year
