Job Summary We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Part Time Mental Health Assistant to join team. Your energetic approach will help create a safe, supportive environment for individuals experiencing mental health conditions.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Recovery Assistant, under the direct supervision of the Director of Community-Based Services, provides a flexible range of face-to-face supportive assistance in accordance with a Recovery Plan that enables a client with chronic mental illness to maintain a home/apartment, encourages the use of existing natural supports, and fosters involvement in social and community activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs the following tasks if the participant (by reason of physical or psychiatric disability) is unable to perform them, or assists, or cues the participant to perform them: a. Meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping (e.g., changing linens, washing dishes, vacuuming/dusting, laundry, mending clothing repairs), basic household tasks (e.g., regulating home temperature, storing food appropriately, resolving issues about bill paying). b. Cueing clients for dressing, personal grooming and hygiene needs; no hands on assistance. c. Appropriate use of emergency medical services. 2. Assists or cues the participant to perform or become engaged in: a. Family, social, and recreational activities. b. Appropriate use of natural community supports (e.g., social clubs, faith-based supports). c. Appropriate use of routine medical/dental services. d. Use of medications as prescribed, including self-administration of medications. e. Healthy habits (e.g., healthy diet, exercise, and behaviors designed to alleviate stress). f. Fulfillment of personal commitments, and adherence to scheduled appointments/meetings (e.g., clinical, vocational, educational, and judicial/court). 3. Assists or cues the participant to avoid: a. Risky behaviors (e.g., unprotected sex, smoking/excessive use of tobacco products, unsafe driving/driving without seatbelts, unsafe relationships, criminal activities). b. Substance abuse. c. Overspending. d. Unnecessary conflicts. 4. Engages in supportive and problem solving-oriented discussions with the participant. 5. Establishes and maintains a helpful, supportive, companionship relationship with the participant that involves such activities as: a. Escorting the participant to necessary medical, dental, or personal business appointments; b. Reading to or for the participant; c. Engaging in or discussing recreational, hobby, or sport-related activities; 6. Other activities directed at reducing disability, restoring participant functioning and achieving independent participation in social, interpersonal, family, or community activities and full community re-integration and independence. 7. Participates in waiver Recovery Plan development and quarterly Recovery Plan update meetings, if requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator. 8. Maintains excellent communication skills while building relationships with community providers that are involved with the client's Recovery Plan. 9. Completes and submits all required documentation in a timely manner. 10. Completes 6 hours of continuing education training each year to maintain the Recovery Assistant Certification.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires employee to be at least 18 years old; possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED; possess a valid Connecticut driver's license; and have the use of a safe and road-worthy vehicle to assist clients with transportation. Experience working with clients with chronic mental illness and working with clients in-home preferred. Hiring is contingent upon successfully completing the Recovery Assistant training through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). The Recovery Assistant is required to be able to operate a personal computer with proficiency in the use of Microsoft 365, web-based platforms, and Adobe PDF. Must pass a national background check conducted by fingerprints, a state police background check, a CT DCF protective service background check, a motor vehicle check, and provide proof of physical and negative PPD results. If the applicant has resided in another state in the last 5 years background checks must be conducted and passed in those states as well.

REPORTS TO

The Recovery Assistant is supervised and accountable to the Director of Community-Based Services.

Pay:

$17.50 per hour Expected hours: 16.0 - 29.0 per week Ability to

Commute:

Groton, CT 06340 (Required)

Work Location:

In person