Mental Health Associate (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut•Middletown, CT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking two (2) motivated and experienced Mental Health Associates to support clinical operations at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH). In this vital role, you will help oversee unit staffing, support clinical teams, and contribute to safe, therapeutic environments that promote recovery for individuals with behavioral health needs. This opportunity is for current State of Connecticut employees only. 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. CVH is the largest DMHAS facility, offering inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, addiction services, young adult and geriatric services, and specialized programs such as the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program, which provides multidisciplinary supports across rehabilitation, cognitive treatment, counseling, and community reintegration. 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.

Requirements

Current State of CT employee who has worked for the state for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language
Three (3) years of experience at the level of a Mental Health Assistant 2, Licensed Practical Nurse or its equivalent in a psychiatric setting.

Nice To Haves

Experience with healthcare or behavioral health scheduling operations, including staffing coverage, call outs, payroll and timekeeping
Experience creating, maintaining, and auditing staff schedules in a healthcare environment.
Experience utilizing workforce management and scheduling systems such as Access, UKG, Kronos or similar applications.
Experience applying labor regulations, 1199 union contracts, and internal scheduling policies to staffing decisions.
Experience communicating effectively with clinical staff, supervisors, and multiple departments to resolve scheduling conflicts.
Experience working independently in a fast-paced environment with organizational and time-management skills.
Bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
Possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Responsibilities

Assumes responsibility for the supervision, training, and evaluation of assigned staff
Plans and develops personnel schedules and assignments to provide adequate and safe coverage
Applies accepted standards of nursing care and administration
Assists in the evaluation of the quality of nursing care being administered
Investigates and reports any unusual incidents
Assures confidentiality of oral and written reports
Coordinates support services such as dietary, maintenance, etc.
Supports and participates in the protection of human and civil rights of clients
Assures that federal and state regulations and directives are followed
Participates in unit, program, and department meetings
Collaborates with members of other disciplines in the planning, development and implementation of hospital programs and services
Cooperates and collaborates with clinical personnel in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu
May supervise the self-administration of oral medications
May assist in approved research projects
Performs direct client care functions and other related duties as required
Coordinates and facilitates the activities of clients
Functions as team member of a case management or crisis team or program
Participates in the assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients in the community at large (i.e., ERs, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs, etc.)
Assists clients in acquiring daily living skills, budgeting, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills
Provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision
Applies accepted standards of nursing care to clients
Supervises staff of lesser grades or other disciplines
Provides clinical therapeutic counseling and/or preventive education services to community groups and individuals, including the development and administration of curriculum on various issues relevant to the community
Independently participates in community outreach programs that include crisis interventions, case management and/or family support in home settings
Participates as a liaison to community agencies
Makes arrangements for outpatient appointments
Provides information on department philosophy and objectives
May perform problem-solving techniques with clients in their natural environment
May assist in the motivation of long-term clients in small groups hospital programs or in community
May coordinate crisis-intervention plans to circumvent hospitalization
May support and supervise clients in transitional living facilities
May assess families in need of respite care programs
Trains mental health assistants in the principles, practices, and procedures of client care, nursing care, supervision and administration, hygiene, sanitation, safety, security, and fire prevention, the management of assaultive behavior, report writing, and writing of behavioral objectives
Provides information on the dynamics of human behavior
Trains employees in the techniques of group work
Trains employees in the methods of supporting clients in avoiding hospitalization