Mental Health Assistant 1 (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Bridgeport, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) as a Mental Health Assistant 1! We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our direct-care team to improve the well-being for our clients/patients. This role involves providing treatment for severely and acutely ill psychiatric patients who require a safe and supportive level of care. You will work with a treatment team that develops goals to assist patients in stabilizing, rehabilitating, and focusing on their recovery goals. The position also involves providing continuity and coordination of patient care, collaborating with unit staff, and being responsive to patient care needs. You will establish therapeutic relationships, respond to and deescalate patients in crisis, 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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.
Bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
Possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.