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

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a Mental Health Assistant 2 to join the Co‑Occurring Treatment Unit (CTU) at Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS) in Bridgeport, CT. The position is full‑time (40 hrs), 2nd shift Monday – Friday 4:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., with alternating weekends and rotating holidays. Job Responsibilities Provide treatment for acutely ill psychiatric patients who require safe, supportive care. Complete daily task schedule and ensure unit safety. Offer direct care to persons with psychiatric and/or substance abuse diagnoses, including support, supervision, skill building, and direction. Teach skills needed to live independently in the community. Provide a highly structured hospital‐level of care and maintain therapeutic relationships. Coordinate patient care and maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu within the psychiatric treatment program. Lead recovery‑oriented activity groups to promote skill building for transition and discharge. Collaborate with unit staff and respond to patient care needs. De‑escalate patients in crisis. Assist patients with transfers, ambulation, and other mobility tasks to prevent falls. Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of providers to ensure high‑quality mental health care. Perform related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years of experience at the level of a Mental Health Assistant 1. College training in mental health technology, behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy, or equivalent may be substituted for up to two (2) years of experience (five (5) semester hours per half year of experience). Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may substitute for one‑half year of experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience working on a multidisciplinary team/program. Experience in therapeutic communication and verbal de‑escalation techniques. Experience providing assistance with activities of daily living in an inpatient setting. Experience observing and recording client behavior and preparing reports. Proficiency with Word and Excel for administrative tasks. Experience using an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Valid driver’s license for client transportation. Special Requirements May be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language. May be required to hold a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license. May be required to travel. Working Conditions May be required to lift and restrain clients. Exposure to infectious and/or communicable diseases. Work may involve unfairly disagreeable conditions and risk of injury. The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut