Healthcare, Other, Healthcare, Practitioner and Technician, Counseling
Job Description
Mental Health Assistant 2
Location Danbury, CT
Salary $63,443* - $84,813/year (*New State employees start at the minimum)
Close Date 3/4/2026 11:59:00 PM
The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking a compassionate and motivated Mental Health Assistant 2 to join the Young Adult Services (YAS) team within Western Connecticut Mental Health Network in Danbury, CT. This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with young adults (ages 18-25) who are navigating complex behavioral health challenges, including trauma and substance abuse.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
DIVISION: Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN)
UNIT: Young Adult Services (YAS)
LOCATION: Danbury, CT
SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours/week), First Shift, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM. - 4:30 PM
POSITION NUMBER: 25796
WHY THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT:
Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer
Enjoy endless opportunities for professional growth and development
Embrace a healthy work/life balance tailored to all employees
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
Provide case management, care coordination, and skill-building support to young adults in both office and community settings
Participate in recovery planning and implement individualized care plans based on each young adult's assessed needs
Provide individual and group skill-building in essential life areas, including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and transportation
Conduct community outreach and visits to engage young adults in treatment, build rapport, and monitor progress.
Collaborate with team members, community providers, and natural supports to address needs such as medical care, entitlements, housing, and other resources vital to success
Support young adults in developing effective coping strategies, recognizing potentials risks, and safely navigating stressors
Assist individuals in pursing and achieving education and vocational goals
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, critical incident reviews, and other collaborative gatherings to ensure coordinated care
Maintain timely, accurate documentation and contribute to meeting productivity and quality standards
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.
Western Connecticut Mental Health Network (WCMHN) was established in 1996 by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). It oversees clinical, fiscal, and administrative aspects of mental health services in Region 5. The network operates in Waterbury, Danbury, and Torrington, with over 200 dedicated staff offering comprehensive services for individuals with long-term mental illnesses.
ABOUT YOUNG ADULT SERVICES (YAS):
The Young Adult Services program provides trauma-informed, recovery-focused support to individuals ages 18 to 25. Designed to meet the unique needs of young adults, YAS offers flexible, developmentally appropriate services at various levels of care. These community-based services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team and include individual, group, and family therapy; case management; psychosocial skill-building; and employment support. The program also emphasizes intensive outreach, proactive engagement, and personalized assistance with independent living skills, all tailored to each individual's stage of development and functioning.
Qualifications & Requirements 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, 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 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
Experience working with young adult population (ages 18 to 25) with behavioral health, substance abuse and trauma issues
Experience co-leading groups
Experience with treatment approaches, including evidence-based practices
Experience with trauma-sensitive services and practices, including coordinating responsive care for clients in crisis
Experience understanding cultural diversity and fostering cultural sensitivity to meet client needs
Experience with Microsoft Office applications (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams) and documenting data accurately for entry
