Protective Services Trainee (Police Officer) #260709-6600PS-001

Start your law enforcement career with purpose. The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring three (3) Protective Services Trainees (Police) at our Middletown campuses. This position is the entry‑level training pathway to become a DMHAS Police Officer. In this role, you will complete academy and field training as part of a working test period. After successfully completing both academy and field training requirements, you will be eligible for appointment to the target class of Police Officer , with responsibility for protecting life and property. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to support the safety of employees and patients across our facilities. Position Highlights Full‑time, 40 hours per week Located in Middletown, CT Hazardous Duty positions Must be available for all shifts Every other weekend off Available Positions Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM (3rd Shift) - Position #24243 Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH) 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM (2nd Shift) - Position #146093 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM (2nd Shift) - Position #146095 Why choose the State of Connecticut Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV) Retire after 25 years - with pension and healthcare benefits Career development and promotional pathways A supportive culture that values a healthy work/life balance Discover The Opportunity To Begin your law enforcement career through structured training and mentorship Support a mission‑driven division focused on safety, respect, and recovery Help protect staff, clients, and visitors across clinical environments Respond to situations where your judgment and professionalism matter Contribute to a collaborative team committed to public services More About Us The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) provides comprehensive behavioral health services that promote dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency for the people we serve. DMHAS’s Division of Safety Services - Public Safety Division maintains a safe and secure environment across our recovery‑oriented healthcare facilities. Our officers serve with compassion, integrity, and professionalism while enforcing the law impartially. The division includes approximately 70 sworn officers, supported by patrol staff, dispatchers, and other team members. Working in a clinical environment offers unique challenges and opportunities, including safety and security responsibilities essential for regulatory and accreditation compliance. Please Note 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. Successful completion of all phases of the selection process (please see official job posting for details on phases) means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Protective Services Trainee. If you are selected into this role, you will enter the physically and mentally demanding training program at a POSTC approved Police Academy. Depending on the academy you are in, this program may last approximately thirty (30) weeks which includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and physical conditioning. Depending on the academy you attend, trainees may be required to live at the Academy, Monday through Friday. Trainees who successfully complete all academy phases will begin field training and enter their probationary period. Trainees will be assigned to one of the DMHAS locations listed above for job training. Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and maintain appropriate licenses, permits and/or certifications including certification by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council. Please Note Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Police). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with vulnerable or diverse populations Experience working in a behavioral health, medical, or secure facility Experience interacting with individuals in crisis or with complex needs while maintaining composure and professionalism Experience responding to emergencies or fast‑changing situations, including following established safety protocols Special Requirements Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States by date of appointment. Applicants must have a High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to admission to the Connecticut Police Training Academy. During the period as a Police Trainee candidates will be required to complete a course of training to include completion and graduation from the Connecticut Police Training Academy program or its equivalent. Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Police). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training. Applicants in this class must have reached their 21st birthday. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license. Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification. Character Requirements In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment. Physical Requirements Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties of the class. A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Connecticut