Mental Health Assistant 2 (Part-Time) (Office​/On-Site

Position Summary

Mental Health Assistant 2 – Part‑time – Young Adult Services (YAS) Community Living Services Program at River Valley Services (RVS)

Facility: River Valley Services (RVS)
Location: 471 Highland Avenue, Middletown, CT
Unit: Young Adult Services (YAS) Community Living Services Program

Schedules:

• PCN 154117 (24 Hour):
  First Shift, 7:45 am – 4:35 pm (Workdays: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)
• PCN 154115 (20 Hour):
  Second Shift, 3:45 pm – 12:15 am (Week 1: Friday, Tuesday; Week 2: Saturday, Sunday, Thursday)

• Assist with life skills development, socialization, transportation, community integration, coping skill development, leisure and recreational activities, and fostering natural supports.
• Provide trauma‑informed, individualized support and 24/7 staffing for young adults in the community.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team and implement individualized programming.
• 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.
• Assist clients in learning and utilizing 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 placement for client.
• Participate in education and training activities to further skill development.
• Assist in admission, discharge and discharge planning activities.
• Protect civil rights of client and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Coordinate and direct programs and activities for a group of clients (if applicable).

• Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation, case management principles, nursing care standards, human behavior dynamics, hygiene, safety, fire procedures, community resources, and programs.
• Interpersonal, oral and written communication, counseling and observation skills.
• Ability to lead staff, supervise client activity, implement agency policies, and apply therapeutic counseling principles under supervision.
• Ability to develop curricula, conduct group instruction, organize activities, and understand and execute written and verbal instructions.

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 the general experience, with fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one‑half (½) year of experience, up to a maximum of two (2) years.
• Completion of a mental‑health trainee certificate program may be substituted for one‑half (½) year of the general experience.

• Experience providing trauma‑informed care to young adults in community‑based settings as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience providing life‑skill development, case management, and other community‑based supports to individuals with trauma and other behavioral health conditions.
• Experience supporting individuals in developing educational, vocational interests, social skills, and leisure activities.

• Bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
• Possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• May be required to travel.

May require lifting and restraining clients; exposure to infectious or communicable diseases; and risk of injury.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.