State of Connecticut
Mental Health Assistant 2 (Part-time) Office/On-site #251217-5723HN-001
State of Connecticut, Middletown, Connecticut, us, 06457
Introduction
Are you passionate about supporting individuals with serious mental health needs in a residential setting? Join our mission‑driven team as a Mental Health Assistant 2 and help empower residents on their journey to recovery and independence. The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a dedicated, compassionate professional to deliver trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented care within a 10‑bed Transitional Residence Program (TRP) at River Valley Services (RVS) in Middletown, CT.
Position Highlights
DIVISION: River Valley Services (RVS)
UNIT: Transitional Residence Program (TRP)
LOCATION: Middletown, CT
POSITION NUMBER: 124010
SCHEDULE: Part‑time (24 hours/week), Second Shift, 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM (rotation)
Why The State of Connecticut
Comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Healthy work‑life balance tailored for all employees
Benefit offerings may vary with part‑time positions
Discover The Opportunity To
Provide intensive residential support in a structured therapeutic environment
Assist residents with daily living skills, symptom management, and community integration
Monitor mental status and ensure resident safety using de‑escalation techniques
Facilitate individual and group life‑skills activities aligned with recovery goals
Collaborate with the clinical team and Head Nurse to support individualized care plans
About Us DMHAS is a health care agency dedicated to promoting overall health and wellness for individuals with behavioral health needs through integrated, holistic, and effective services. River Valley Services (RVS) is a community mental health center serving towns across Middlesex County, offering high‑quality crisis intervention, case management, residential, and clinical services to adults with serious mental health conditions.
About the Transitional Residential Program The RVS Transitional Residential Program (TRP) provides 24/7 staffing and intense support services to 10 residents who are transitioning from long‑term hospitalization or incarceration. Referrals come directly from the DMHAS Office of the Medical Director.
Please Note
A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required for all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug‑Free Workplace.
For Assistance In Applying Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply and visit the Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Before You Apply
Meet Minimum Qualifications (see below) by the job closing date.
List earned credits and degrees accurately on your application.
Resume policy requires no resumes during initial application; additional documentation may be requested later.
Indicate willingness to work preferred shift/location.
Submit all materials by the job posting deadline.
Current state employees may have different salary calculation methods.
Apply only via the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center.
After You Apply
Complete any required Referral Questions by their expiration date.
Prepare for an interview by reviewing the Interview Preparation Guide.
Track status daily on the JobAps Personal Status Board and check email regularly.
Applications may be used for future vacancies in the same job class.
Position will be filled according to contractual language and state employment rules.
Questions? We’re Here to Help For recruitment updates, consult your Personal Status Board or FAQ. Direct inquiries to Alyssa Hovanec (Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov).
Purpose of Job Class This role leads Mental Health Assistants in assessing, planning, and implementing paraprofessional nursing, clinical, and rehabilitative interventions to support client short and long‑term needs.
Examples of Duties
Participate in assigned nursing, clinical, and rehabilitative interventions.
Advocate for services or resources that meet client needs.
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, 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 placement for client.
Participate in education and training activities.
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.
Community And/or Outpatient Programs
Team member of case management or crisis intervention team.
Assess, crisis intervene, and monitor clients in facility or community settings.
Provide individual, group, and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision.
Identify and reinforce client skills, strengths, resources, and preferences.
Apply accepted nursing standards to clients.
Participate in community outreach programs.
Access a wide range of community resources and act as liaison to agencies.
Make arrangements for outpatient appointments.
Consult with caregivers in other facilities.
Manage client behaviors through verbal communication when necessary.
Problem solve with clients in community.
Inpatient Ward Or Unit
Lead, train, and participate in training and development of Mental Health Assistants and other employees.
Participate in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu.
Coordinate maintenance of a safe and healthy living environment.
Assist 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 care plan development.
Supervise self‑administration of oral medications.
Assist with data collection.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability
Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation, case management principles, nursing standards, hygiene, safety, and community resources.
Interpersonal, oral and written communication, counseling skills.
Observation skills.
Ability to lead staff, supervise client activity, interpret policies, apply therapeutic counseling, develop curricula, organize, and follow 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, behavioral science, social work, or rehabilitation therapy may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.
Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may substitute for one‑half (½) year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, addictions, and trauma.
Experience in community‑based residential support settings.
Experience on a multi‑disciplinary team/program.
Experience teaching and assisting with daily living activities.
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 exposure to infectious or communicable diseases, disagreeable conditions, and risk of injury.
Conclusion Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence.
Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages applications from 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. It is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task and responsibility.
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Position Highlights
DIVISION: River Valley Services (RVS)
UNIT: Transitional Residence Program (TRP)
LOCATION: Middletown, CT
POSITION NUMBER: 124010
SCHEDULE: Part‑time (24 hours/week), Second Shift, 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM (rotation)
Why The State of Connecticut
Comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Healthy work‑life balance tailored for all employees
Benefit offerings may vary with part‑time positions
Discover The Opportunity To
Provide intensive residential support in a structured therapeutic environment
Assist residents with daily living skills, symptom management, and community integration
Monitor mental status and ensure resident safety using de‑escalation techniques
Facilitate individual and group life‑skills activities aligned with recovery goals
Collaborate with the clinical team and Head Nurse to support individualized care plans
About Us DMHAS is a health care agency dedicated to promoting overall health and wellness for individuals with behavioral health needs through integrated, holistic, and effective services. River Valley Services (RVS) is a community mental health center serving towns across Middlesex County, offering high‑quality crisis intervention, case management, residential, and clinical services to adults with serious mental health conditions.
About the Transitional Residential Program The RVS Transitional Residential Program (TRP) provides 24/7 staffing and intense support services to 10 residents who are transitioning from long‑term hospitalization or incarceration. Referrals come directly from the DMHAS Office of the Medical Director.
Please Note
A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required for all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
All state employees must adhere to Connecticut’s Policy for a Drug‑Free Workplace.
For Assistance In Applying Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply and visit the Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
Before You Apply
Meet Minimum Qualifications (see below) by the job closing date.
List earned credits and degrees accurately on your application.
Resume policy requires no resumes during initial application; additional documentation may be requested later.
Indicate willingness to work preferred shift/location.
Submit all materials by the job posting deadline.
Current state employees may have different salary calculation methods.
Apply only via the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center.
After You Apply
Complete any required Referral Questions by their expiration date.
Prepare for an interview by reviewing the Interview Preparation Guide.
Track status daily on the JobAps Personal Status Board and check email regularly.
Applications may be used for future vacancies in the same job class.
Position will be filled according to contractual language and state employment rules.
Questions? We’re Here to Help For recruitment updates, consult your Personal Status Board or FAQ. Direct inquiries to Alyssa Hovanec (Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov).
Purpose of Job Class This role leads Mental Health Assistants in assessing, planning, and implementing paraprofessional nursing, clinical, and rehabilitative interventions to support client short and long‑term needs.
Examples of Duties
Participate in assigned nursing, clinical, and rehabilitative interventions.
Advocate for services or resources that meet client needs.
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, 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 placement for client.
Participate in education and training activities.
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.
Community And/or Outpatient Programs
Team member of case management or crisis intervention team.
Assess, crisis intervene, and monitor clients in facility or community settings.
Provide individual, group, and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision.
Identify and reinforce client skills, strengths, resources, and preferences.
Apply accepted nursing standards to clients.
Participate in community outreach programs.
Access a wide range of community resources and act as liaison to agencies.
Make arrangements for outpatient appointments.
Consult with caregivers in other facilities.
Manage client behaviors through verbal communication when necessary.
Problem solve with clients in community.
Inpatient Ward Or Unit
Lead, train, and participate in training and development of Mental Health Assistants and other employees.
Participate in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu.
Coordinate maintenance of a safe and healthy living environment.
Assist 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 care plan development.
Supervise self‑administration of oral medications.
Assist with data collection.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability
Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation, case management principles, nursing standards, hygiene, safety, and community resources.
Interpersonal, oral and written communication, counseling skills.
Observation skills.
Ability to lead staff, supervise client activity, interpret policies, apply therapeutic counseling, develop curricula, organize, and follow 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, behavioral science, social work, or rehabilitation therapy may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.
Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may substitute for one‑half (½) year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, addictions, and trauma.
Experience in community‑based residential support settings.
Experience on a multi‑disciplinary team/program.
Experience teaching and assisting with daily living activities.
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 exposure to infectious or communicable diseases, disagreeable conditions, and risk of injury.
Conclusion Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence.
Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages applications from 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. It is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task and responsibility.
#J-18808-Ljbffr