Mental Health Assistant 2 (40 Hour) (Office/On-site)

Introduction Are you passionate about empowering young adults on their path toward independence, stability, and recovery? Join our mission‑driven team as a Mental Health Assistant 2. Position Highlights Division: Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN) Program: Young Adult Services (YAS) Location: Waterbury, CT Position Number: 126054 Schedule: Full‑time (40 hours/week) Typical Hours: - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM - Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM - One weekend per month (Friday and Monday off when working the weekend) Comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview available. Responsibilities Participate in assigned nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions to meet client short and long‑term needs. Advocate for services or resources that meet client needs and preferences. Observe and record client behavior. Prepare incident and accident reports. Monitor client progress. Assist client with decision making and problem solving. Assist client in learning and utilizing daily living skills, budgeting, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills. Act as a role model and instruct staff in crisis intervention techniques. Develop goal‑directed relationships with individuals and/or groups. Identify and facilitate use of appropriate support networks. Investigate alternative placement for client. Participate in education and training activities to further skill development. Participate in admission and discharge planning activities. Protect civil rights of client. Maintain a safe and healthy environment. May coordinate and direct programs and activities for a group of clients. Perform related duties as required. Function as a team member of a case management or crisis intervention team. Participate in assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients within facility or community at large (e.g., emergency rooms, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs). Provide individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision. Identify and reinforce client skills, strengths, resources and preferences. Apply accepted standards of nursing care to clients. Participate in community outreach programs that include crisis intervention and family contact in home settings. Identify and access a wide range of community resources. Participate as a liaison to community agencies. Make arrangements for outpatient appointments. Consult with caregivers in other facilities regarding crisis intervention techniques. Manage client behaviors through verbal communication when necessary. Problem‑solve with clients in community as needed. Lead, train and participate in training and development of Mental Health Assistants and other assigned employees. Participate in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu. Coordinate maintenance of a safe and healthy living environment. Participate in meeting psychological and physical needs of client. Identify client strengths and assist in development of treatment plans. Orient new client to ward or unit. Participate in team nursing activities and development of nursing care and rehabilitation programs. Supervise self‑administration of oral medications as required. Assist with data collection as required. Knowledge, Skills 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. Strong 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 activities; 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 equaling 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 working with young adult population (ages 18‑25) with behavioral health, substance abuse and trauma issues. Experience co‑leading groups. Experience applying evidence‑based practices and therapeutic treatment approaches. Experience providing trauma‑informed services and coordinating responsive care for clients in crisis. Experience understanding cultural diversity and fostering cultural sensitivity to client needs. Experience with computer systems and maintaining accurate documentation. Special Requirements May be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language. May be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license. May be required to travel. Working Conditions Incumbents may be required to lift and restrain clients and may have significant exposure to infectious and/or communicable diseases, harsh working environments and risk of injury. Benefits As an employee of the State of Connecticut, you will have access to a comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview, which includes health, dental, vision, retirement and other benefits. 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. Legal Notice 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. A job class is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task and/or responsibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr