Mental Health Assistant 2 (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut - DMHAS Western CT Mental Health; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

State of Connecticut – DMHAS Western Connecticut Mental Health Network seeks a Mental Health Assistant 2 to provide case management, group facilitation, and community-based supports in Danbury, CT.

The role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, risk monitoring, trauma-informed care, and adherence to clinical documentation. Full-time, day shift, dedicated to improving client independence.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience at the level of a Mental Health Assistant 1.
• Substitutions allowed: college training may substitute for general experience (15 sem hrs = 1/2 year, up to 2 years).
• Completion of a mental health trainee certificate may substitute for 1/2 year of general experience.

Responsibilities

• Leads assigned nursing/clinical/rehabilitative interventions to meet client needs.
• Advocates for services that meet client needs and preferences.
• Observes and records client behavior.
• Monitors client progress.
• Assists client with daily living skills and problem solving.
• Works with a multidisciplinary team to develop recovery plans.

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Group facilitation

Education

College training in mental health technology

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!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is currently seeking a qualified and experienced individual for the position of Mental Health Assistant 2 to join our team.

Position Highlights

• FACILITY: Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN)
• TEAM: Outpatient Team B
• LOCATION: Danbury, CT
• SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours), 1st Shift, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• POSITION NUMBER: 131497

What We Can Offer You

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Discover The Opportunity To

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.

The Role

• Facilitates psycho-educational groups.
• Provides a variety of case management and skill building services to individuals living in the community.
• Assists with assessment of functional needs and provides intervention to support enhanced community living.
• Participates as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Monitors risk issues and participates in clinical team’s assessment of risk and risk mitigation.
• Possesses working knowledge and understanding of mental illness, trauma, addictions and co-occurring disorders; ability to provide care in a trauma informed/sensitive manner.
• Provides skill-building, support and supervision to individuals we serve.
• Adheres to clinical documentation standards and target goals for direct service hours.
• Basic computer skills are required to meet the work requirements for this position.
• Collaborates effectively within a larger treatment team to integrate care.
• Works collaboratively with clients to increase natural support.

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.

The WCMHN's mission is to provide a comprehensive and effective recovery-oriented system of mental health and addiction services that promotes self-sufficiency, dignity, cultural sensitivity and respect.

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

This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.

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 Julie Barker at [e-mail].

Purpose of Job Class (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, community behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for leading Mental Health Assistants in the assessment, planning and implementation of paraprofessional nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions designed to support client short and/or long-term needs. In outpatient or community programs this class is accountable for independently performing the full range of paraprofessional functions in case management and crisis intervention services.

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;
• Observes and records client behavior;
• Prepares incident and accident reports;
• Monitors client progress;
• Assists client with decision making and problem solving;
• Assists client in learning and utilizing daily living skills, budgeting, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills;
• Acts as a role model and instructs staff in crisis intervention techniques;
• Develops goal-directed relationships with individuals and/or groups;
• Identifies and facilitates use of appropriate support networks;
• Investigates alternative placement for client;
• 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 coordinate and direct programs and activities for a group of clients;
• Performs related duties as required.

Community and/or Outpatient Programs

• Functions as a team member of a case management or crisis intervention team;
• Participates in assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients within facility or community at large (i.e., emergency rooms, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs, etc.);
• Provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision;
• Identifies and reinforces client skills, strengths, resources and preferences;
• Applies accepted standards of nursing care to clients;
• Participates in community outreach programs that include crisis intervention and family contact in home settings;
• Identifies and accesses a wide range of community resources;
• Participates as a liaison to community agencies;
• Makes arrangements for outpatient appointments;
• Consults with care givers in other facilities regarding crisis intervention techniques;
• Manages client behaviors through verbal communication when necessary;
• May problem solve with clients in community.

Inpatient Ward or Unit

• Leads, trains and participates in training and development of Mental Health Assistants and other assigned employees;
• Participates in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu;
• Coordinates maintenance of a safe and healthy living environment;
• Participates in meeting psychological and physical needs of client;
• Identifies client strengths and assists in development of treatment plans;
• Orients new client to ward or unit;
• Participates in team nursing activities and development of nursing care and rehabilitation programs;
• May supervise self-administration of oral medications;
• May assist with data collection.

Knowledge, Skill And Ability

Considerable knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles, practices and procedures; acceptable standards of nursing care; Knowledge of dynamics of human behavior; hygiene and sanitation; safety and fire procedures and security measures; community resources and programs; Considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; counseling skills; Observation skills; Ability to lead staff; supervise client activity; interpret and implement agency and/or facility policies and procedures; apply principles of therapeutic counseling under supervision; develop curricula and instruct groups; organize; understand, interpret and carry out oral and written instructions.

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

Three (3) years of experience at the level of a Mental Health Assistant 1.

Minimum Qualifications - Substitutions Allowed

College training in mental health technology, a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of two (2) years.

Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for one-half (1/2) year of the General Experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing interventions on person-centered recovery plans.
• Experience working with individuals who have severe and persistent mental illness, trauma, addiction and co-morbid medical conditions.
• Experience participating in risk assessments and interventions as well as collaborating with individuals and the multidisciplinary team to develop person-centered recovery plans.
• Experience documenting in an electronic medical record.

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 infectious and/or communicable 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.