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

JobAps; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Connecticut DMHAS is seeking a Mental Health professional to assist in assessment, planning and implementation of interventions for psychiatric patients. You will support treatment goals, coordinate care, and respond to crises in a multidisciplinary team.

The role involves working with adults with behavioral health needs, participating in education and discharge planning, and maintaining a safe environment on the unit.

Qualifications

• One year of experience at the level of a Mental Health Trainee.
• Substitutions allowed include: Associate degree in mental health technology; Two years of college in behavioral science; One year of Recovery Support Specialist experience; Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program.

Responsibilities

• Participates in nursing, clinical and rehabilitative interventions to meet client needs.
• Advocates for services that meet client needs and preferences.
• Assists clients in developing coping strategies for stress.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Counseling skills

Nursing care standards

Ability to follow instructions

Education

Associate degree in mental health technology

Two years of college in behavioral science

Mental health trainee certificate program

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR/EMR)

Job description

Introduction

Do you want to utilize your skills and make a difference? Are you looking to take the next step in your career? If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Position Highlights

• FACILITY: Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS)
• DIVISION: Transitional Residence Program (TRP)
• ADDRESS: Bridgeport, CT
• SCHEDULE: Full-time, 40 hours, 2nd Shift, Monday - Friday, 4:00p.m. - 12:30a.m. (Rotating weekends and holidays)
• POSITION NUMBER: 141049

Why the State of Connecticut

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Enjoy endless opportunities for professional growth and development
• Embrace a healthy work/life balance tailored to all employees

Discover the Opportunity to

• Provide treatment for severely and acutely ill psychiatric patients who require a safe and supportive 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;
• Provide continuity and coordination of patient care;
• Collaborate with unit staff and be responsive to patient care needs;
• Establish therapeutic relationships;
• Respond to and deescalate patients in crisis;
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of providers, and other patient natural supports to ensure patients receive the highest quality of mental health care.

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.

More About the Facility

Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) is responsible for the oversight and management of contracts with private not-for-profit agencies and residential providers providing mental health services in the southwest region of the state. With locations in Bridgeport and Stamford, SWCMHS provides inpatient, outpatient and assertive community treatment (ACT) services and community support services for adults with severe behavioral health disabilities; mental health services for people who are deaf or hearing impaired and a mobile crisis intervention team. SWCMHS also provides outreach to people who are homeless and mentally ill. Special agency programs include Shelter Plus Care, a housing program for people who are homeless and who have a history of substance abuse or mental illness or who have AIDS.

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.

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 providing direct care and support to adults with psychiatric, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders in an outpatient, inpatient, or congregate care setting.
• Experience using an Electronic Health Record (EHR) or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to document services and maintain clinical records.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook.
• Experience maintaining compliance with State of Connecticut mandatory driving requirements, including possession of a valid driver's license.
• Experience coordinating and communicating effectively with clients, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community providers.
• Experience responding to emergency situations both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience observing and recording client/patient behavior and preparing pertinent reports.
• Experience using evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches with clients.

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.