Advanced Professional Counselor (40 Hour)

Introduction

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated professional to support individuals on their recovery journey from mental health and substance use challenges.

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) Advanced Professional Counselor (PCN 27865) for the Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center (GBCMHC) Clinical Services Unit.

Schedule
• 1st shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Full-time, 40 hours per week

What We Can Offer You
• Access to a comprehensive suite of state employee benefits
• NEW: Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page to explore available options
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A commitment to promoting a healthy work/life balance

Position Highlights
• Clinical oversight through chart audits, documentation review, and staff supervision
• Development and evaluation of individualized treatment plans with measurable goals
• Delivery of advanced clinical services, including therapy, crisis intervention, and risk assessment
• Collaboration with hospitals, community agencies, and behavioral health providers to coordinate care
• Ensuring safety, ethical compliance, confidentiality, and effective use of electronic health records

A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required following a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must comply with Connecticut's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

About Us


DMHAS is dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health needs through an integrated, holistic network of services that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency.

Bridgeport Clinical Services are designed for individuals who have a range of clinical needs but tend to require less intensive case management and community-based skills building.

Selection Plan

For Assistance in Applying
• Review the Applicant Tips on How to Apply.
• Visit the Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

Before You Apply
• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the posting by the closing date. These qualifications must be clearly specified on your application.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees accurately. Institutions must be accredited. For foreign education, provide equivalency documentation from a recognized U.S. accrediting service.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. Additional documents (cover letter, transcripts, performance reviews, etc.) may be requested later.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all locations and shifts you are willing to work. Failure to do so may limit your consideration for specific vacancies.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be submitted by the posting deadline. Revisions cannot be made after you submit. Late submissions are rarely accepted; applicants may request exceptions by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io and providing documentation of incapacitating circumstances during the entire posting period.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations may differ between branches of state government.
• How to Apply: The only way to apply is through the "Apply" or "Apply Online" buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center posting.

After You Apply
• Check Your Status: Email providers may delay messages. Regularly review your Personal Status Board for updates, questionnaires, and tasks. You may also enable SMS notifications.
• Referral Questions: You may be required to complete Referral Questions (RQs) after the posting closes. Access them through your email or your Personal Status Board.
• Prepare for an Interview: Only candidates whose experience aligns most closely with the role will be interviewed. Review the Interview Preparation Guide to get ready.
• Stay Connected: Monitor your Personal Status Board daily and check all email folders (including spam).
• Future Vacancies: Applications to this recruitment may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
• Employment Rules: Positions are filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion, and merit rules. Employees are also bound by the State Code of Ethics (

Questions? We're Here to Help


Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide individual status updates. For recruitment updates, check your Personal Status Board or review the Frequently Asked Questions. For additional questions about the process, contact Ben Beaudry at View email address on click.appcast.io.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency behavioral health program as part of a multi-disciplinary team at one or more locations this class is accountable for skilled clinical counseling treatment and leadership services involving complex case assignments.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Independently provides highly skilled direct professional counseling treatment services to clients with complex emotional, behavioral or interpersonal problems through comprehensive clinical assessments and provision of individual, family and group treatment;
• Provides individual field work instruction and/or clinical supervision which includes instruction in use of comprehensive psychosocial assessments, case management, needs assessment and supportive counseling;
• Develops and maintains comprehensive treatment and/or rehabilitation plans including measurable treatment objectives;
• Initiates consultation and collaboration with other mental health providers to improve delivery of current services and/or identify unmet needs within current service system;
• Assists in resolution of administrative, personnel and clinical issues in program;
• Develops data for statistical and planning systems and/or research and publication;
• Prepares administrative reports and suggests operational policies and procedures;
• Oversees development and/or implementation of individual client treatment plans;
• May be assigned administrative oversight of research projects;
• May provide expert testimony to courts;
• May represent program in liaison relationships with other community agencies and resources;
• May chair or serve on unit committees that develop services for clients;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
  • and ability to instruct others on principles, methodology, casework and techniques of counseling, interviewing and psychosocial assessment;
  • family and interpersonal relationship dynamics;
• Knowledge of
  • statutes, regulations and standards relating to mental health services;
  • state law governing licensed professional counselor practice standards;
• Considerable
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • integrate theory and case material in assessing and devising comprehensive treatment plans for difficult and/or complex case assignments;
  • lead task groups including but not limited to treatment teams.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience as a licensed professional counselor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience working with community-based outpatient mental health and substance use treatment programs
• Experience conducting crisis assessments and risk assessments in high-acuity settings
• Experience supervising staff and supporting professional development within clinical teams
• Experience working in diverse and inclusive environments
• Experience collaborating with community providers, local hospitals, police departments, and outpatient clinical teams
• Experience using Office 365 applications, especially Word and Excel
• Experience using Electronic Medical Record systems (such as WITS)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a license to practice professional counselor work pursuant to Sec. 20-195 (aa-jj) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to have knowledge of sign language and communication ability with the deaf and hearing impaired in certain designated positions.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to have ability in Spanish oral and written communication in certain designated positions.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of injury from assaultive and/or abusive clients.

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.