Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee at The Department of Children and Families in Enfield, Connecticut

Job Description:

Introduction

Do you have knowledge of addiction recoverymethods and relapse prevention? Do you want to share your knowledge with, and help, a population that perhaps needs you more than any other? The State of Connecticut is hiring several Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor Trainees!

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Thesepositions are full time, Monday through Friday, first shift, 36.25 hours per week.Employeesareentitled to excellent benefits including health, dental and a 25 year hazardous duty retirement. The selected candidates will be required to attend a 12-week hazardous duty training at the Maloney Center for Training & Staff Development located in Cheshire, CT. This recruitment will be used to fill positions in correctional facilities located throughout the state.

Notes on these Trainee positions:

• 
  Incumbents in this class will be eligible for promotion without further competitive examination upon completion of the three (3) year period of training and certification or licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
  


• 
  Incumbents in this class who meet the qualifications of the target class and receive certification or licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor before the end of the training period will be eligible for promotion without further examination.
  

Compensation Guidelines:

• 
  First Year of Training - CO 07/Step 1 *
  


• 
  Second Year of Training - CO 07/Step 3 *
  


• 
  Third Year of Training - CO 07/Step 5 *
  

*NOTE: Appointments to positions in this class for current state employees will be in accordance with the guidelines for computing salary adjustments set forth by the Department of Administrative Services, Determining Salary Upon Change in Class.

Selection Plan

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position.

Due to thehigh volume of applicants anticipated, we can not respond to individual status inquiries. Applicants are expected to monitor email (including junk mail folder) for communication regarding status. Applicants can, and should, view notices on their Online Employment Center Personal Status Board, https://www.jobapscloud.com/ct/. To access the board, select My Applications from the main menu. On the board, click the date in the Last Notice column to view a chronology of notices for a recruitment.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies as the occur.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Correction facility or community setting this class is accountable for receiving intensive training in individual or group substance abuse counseling services to offenders.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Receives training in agency substance abuse counseling procedures, offender rehabilitation programs, personnel policies, program guidelines and legal reporting requirements; receives training in and is given progressively complex assignments involving utilization of interviewing techniques required to assess client needs, elicit information and establish community referral sources; provides basic counseling services to a limited number of alcohol and drug dependent offenders; participates in screening offenders to determine eligibility for programs; assists in orientation of offenders to treatment programs; prepares initial treatment plans, psycho-social evaluation, case histories and other case records as components of a small assigned caseload; refers offenders and family members for community or social services, medical or psychological services or housing, financial and employment assistance; motivates offenders to increase their ability to understand and cope with problems, frustration and anxiety; assists with crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress; assists in maintaining treatment files; performs greater number of specific and complex substance abuse counselor duties and maintains a larger caseload as skills are acquired during training program; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of addictions, recovery and/or relapse prevention; knowledge of sociological and psychological concepts with emphasis on analysis of criminal behavior; knowledge of individual and group behavior; knowledge of cultural competencies and ethical standards; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds; ability to organize time, set priorities and manage workload; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience in casework and/or counseling with some work with clients/offenders with behavioral healthcare issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in human behavior may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of three (3) years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with recovering individuals of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds


• Experience completing medical documentation with greatattention to detail


• Experience working in a correctional, or other criminal justice related, environment

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. 
   Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification at the time of appointment.
   
   
   


2. 
   Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
   
   
   


3. 
   Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
   
   
   


4. 
   Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
   
   
   


5. 
   Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.
   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. 
   Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
   
   
   


2. 
   A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
   

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to considerable danger of injury or assault by offenders.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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

Apply Now