Mental Health Associate (Hospital Staffing Department Scheduler) (Office/On-Site)

Are you passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from mental health or substance use challenges?

Have you gained expertise in engaging individuals with compassion and empathy?

If so, we invite you to apply and join our dedicated team!

THE POSITION

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is now hiring for a Mental Health Associate to join our team! This role supports operational efficiency, quality of care, and cost management by ensuring that the right personnel are available when needed. The scheduler coordinates team coverage, which enhances patient satisfaction and maintains care standards. Your work as a meticulous and effective scheduling professional reduces the reliance on overtime and expensive agency staff, thereby controlling labor costs. Additionally, you work to ensure compliance with staffing requirements and accreditation standards, supporting the hospital's mission of providing high quality patient care.

This position plays a vital role in aligning staffing strategies with the facilities long\-term goals, thereby enhancing both operational effectiveness inpatient outcomes. You will provide data\-driven insights from time tracking, which will empower SWCMHS to identify areas for improvement, allocate resources strategically, reduce overpayment to staff, and create a culture of productivity that contributes to our hospital's overall success.

HIGHLIGHTS

• FACILITY: Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS)
• ADDRESS: 1635 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
• UNIT: Hospital Staffing Department
• SCHEDULE: Full\-Time, 40 Hours per Week, First Shift, Monday through Friday, 8:00am \- 4:30pm
• POSITION NUMBER: 28125

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO

• Manage a high call volume daily;
• Accurately input and manage large volume of data efficiently while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality with precision;
• Develop, maintain, and update daily, weekly, or monthly staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage;
• Handle last\-minute call\-ins, emergencies, and scheduling gaps promptly to maintain operational continuity;
• Notify employees of shift changes, confirm appointments, and communicate directly with management regarding scheduling needs;
• Utilize scheduling software to input employee availability;
• Have a meticulous attention to detail in the management of complex shifting of schedules;
• Maintain accurate records of hours worked, overtime, and time\-off requests, ensuring compliance with labor laws and company policies;
• Provide functional guidance to staff on collective agreements, scheduling processes and computerized scheduling programs.

ABOUT US

DMHAS is a health care 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 in those we serve.

SWCMHS strives to provide high quality, compassionate and culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to adults with behavioral health disorders who are indigent. With three locations throughout Fairfield County, SWCMHS, promotes and administers comprehensive recovery oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment. These services include inpatient treatment programs and outpatient clinical services, as well as a wide range of additional supportive treatment services.

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.

Selection Plan

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FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

* Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

* Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.

* Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21\-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.

* Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.

* Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

* Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

* Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

* Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.

* For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”

* Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

* Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!

• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

* Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Jensine Tran at Jensine.Tran@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, community behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for the administration of a designated number of wards or units or a major clinical training program for mental health assistants. In outpatient divisions and community programs or clinics this class is accountable for the direct supervision of mental health assistants and/or independently performing a full range of advanced para\-professional functions in case management and crisis intervention services or the administration of a complex program component.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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In wards or units:

• Assumes responsibility for the supervision, training, and evaluation of assigned staff;
• Plans and develops personnel schedules and assignments to provide adequate and safe coverage;
• Applies accepted standards of nursing care and administration;
• Assists in the evaluation of the quality of nursing care being administered;
• Investigates and reports any unusual incidents;
• Assures confidentiality of oral and written reports;
• Coordinates support services such as dietary, maintenance, etc.;
• Supports and participates in the protection of human and civil rights of clients;
• Assures that federal and state regulations and directives are followed;
• Participates in unit, program, and department meetings;
• Collaborates with members of other disciplines in the planning, development and implementation of hospital programs and services;
• Cooperates and collaborates with clinical personnel in developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu;
• May supervise the self\-administration of oral medications;
• May assist in approved research projects;
• Performs direct client care functions and other related duties as required.

In community/outpatient mental health programs:

• Coordinates and facilitates the activities of clients;
• Functions as team member of a case management or crisis team or program;
• Participates in the assessment, crisis intervention and monitoring of clients in the community at large (i.e., ERs, jails, homeless shelters, outpatient programs, etc.);
• Assists clients in acquiring daily living skills, budgeting, medication monitoring and/or community adaptation skills;
• Provides individual, group and/or family supportive treatment under appropriate supervision;
• Applies accepted standards of nursing care to clients;
• Supervises staff of lesser grades or other disciplines;
• Provides clinical therapeutic counseling and/or preventive education services to community groups and individuals, including the development and administration of curriculum on various issues relevant to the community;
• Independently participates in community outreach programs that include crisis interventions, case management and/or family support in home settings;
• Participates as a liaison to community agencies;
• Makes arrangements for outpatient appointments;
• Provides information on department philosophy and objectives;
• May perform problem\-solving techniques with clients in their natural environment;
• May assist in the motivation of long\-term clients in small groups hospital programs or in community;
• May coordinate crisis\-intervention plans to circumvent hospitalization;
• May support and supervise clients in transitional living facilities;
• May assess families in need of respite care programs;
• Performs direct client care functions and other related duties as required.

In a comprehensive, structured training program:

• Trains mental health assistants in the principles, practices, and procedures of client care, nursing care, supervision and administration, hygiene, sanitation, safety, security, and fire prevention, the management of assaultive behavior, report writing, and writing of behavioral objectives;
• Provides information on the dynamics of human behavior;
• Trains employees in the techniques of group work;
• Trains employees in the methods of supporting clients in avoiding hospitalization;
• Performs direct client care functions and other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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• Considerable knowledge of

+ acceptable standards of nursing care;

+ psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles, practices, and procedures;

+ dynamics of individual and group behavior;

• Knowledge of

+ supervisory and administrative methods and techniques;

+ hygiene and sanitation;

+ security, safety, and fire procedures;

+ community resources and programs;

• Considerable

+ interpersonal skills;

+ oral and written communication skills;

• Observation skills;
• Considerable ability to apply the principles of therapeutic counseling;
• Ability to

+ lead staff;

+ supervise client activity;

+ direct others in the formulation of plans for client care;

+ interpret and implement agency/facility policies and procedures;

+ organize;

+ coordinate and collaborate effectively with individuals, groups and families;

+ train and teach;

+ effectively handle emergency situations independently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS \- GENERAL EXPERIENCE

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Three (3\) years of experience at the level of a Mental Health Assistant 2, Licensed Practical Nurse or its equivalent in a psychiatric setting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS \- SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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• College training in mental health technology, a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy, or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15\) semester hours equalling one\-half (1/2\) 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 (1/2\) year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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• Communication abilities with aptitude in problem\-solving.
• Experience with scheduling software, databases, and MS Office (Excel, Outlook).
• Experience in data collection, entry and reporting with great attention to detail.
• Must have experiential and proven organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of and experience working in a union environment.
• Collaborative team experience working to effectively communicate with staff and management.
• Experiential knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and regulations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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• Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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Incumbents may be required to lift and restrain clients; may have significant exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury; may be exposed to strongly disagreeable conditions.