Mental Health Assistant 2 (40 Hour) Office/On-Site #260819-5723FK-001

Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to support young adults on their paths to recovery and independence? If you communicate fluently in American Sign Language (ASL), join us as a Mental Health Assistant 2 to make a significant impact today!

About the role

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring for a Mental Health Assistant 2 serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHOH) Team's clients. The work environment is primarily "in the Community" in combination with "in office" and teleworking time. Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required.

In the Community Support Program, state and federal fidelity measures evaluate services provided to clients, including staffing levels, staff productivity, family involvement, attendance at self-help groups, wellness and recovery groups, and documentation of responses to services. These services increase the likelihood that clients will live independently in the community, reducing institutionalization and improving quality of life. The program’s goal is to decrease hospitalizations and emergency room visits while increasing independent community integration.

This position provides these services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing team and is available to all adult services clients at the facility. There are no other Community Support Program services available to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that meet ASL communication needs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in 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 and assist with decision-making and problem-solving.
• Help clients learn and utilize daily living skills, budgeting, medication monitoring, and 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 placements for clients.
• Participate in education and training activities to further skill development.
• Engage in admission and discharge planning activities.
• Protect civil rights of clients and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Coordinate and direct programs and activities for a group of clients.
• For community/outpatient programs:
  • Function as a team member of a case management or crisis intervention team.
  • Participate in assessment, crisis intervention, and monitoring of clients within the facility or community (e.g., emergency rooms, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs).
  • Provide individual, group, and/or family supportive treatment under supervision.
  • Identify and reinforce client skills, strengths, resources, and preferences.
  • Apply accepted standards of nursing care to clients.
  • Participate in community outreach programs, including crisis intervention and family contact in home settings.
  • Identify and access a wide range of community resources.
  • Act 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.
• For inpatient ward or unit:
  • Lead, train, and participate in the 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 clients.
  • Identify client strengths and assist in development of treatment plans.
  • Orient new clients to the ward or unit.
  • Participate in team nursing activities and development of nursing care and rehabilitation programs.
  • Supervise self-administration of oral medications.
  • Assist with data collection.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of acceptable standards of nursing care.
• Knowledge of dynamics of human behavior, hygiene, sanitation, safety, fire procedures, and security measures.
• Knowledge of community resources and programs.
• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).

Location

Capitol Region Mental Health Center (CRMHC)
500 Vine Street, Hartford, CT

Schedule

Full-Time, 40 Hours per Week
First Shift, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance.
li>Comprehensive state employee benefits (see State Employee Benefits Overview).

About Us

DMHAS is a healthcare 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.

CRMHC is a community-based mental health center serving Hartford, West Hartford, Farmington, Avon, Canton, and Simsbury. It collaborates with greater Hartford DMHAS-funded mental health programs, comprising 15 nonprofit agencies, to provide a comprehensive array of behavioral health services to adults with serious psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring psychiatric illness and substance use.

A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required upon a conditional offer of employment. All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug-Free Workplace.