What are the responsibilities and job description for the Protective Services Trainee (Police) (Target Class: Police Officer (DMHAS)) position at State of Connecticut - Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services?
Start your law enforcement career with purpose.
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is hiring three (3) Protective Services Trainees (Police) at our Middletown campuses. This position is the entry-level training pathway to become a DMHAS Police Officer. In this role, you will complete academy and field training as part of a working test period. After successfully completing both academy and field training requirements, you will be eligible for appointment to the target class of Police Officer, with responsibility for protecting life and property. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to support the safety of employees and patients across our facilities.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Located in Middletown, CT
- Hazardous Duty positions
- Must be available for all shifts
- Every other weekend off
Available Positions:
Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH)
- 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM (3rd Shift) - Position #24243
Whiting Forensic Hospital (WFH)
- 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM (2nd Shift) - Position #146093
- 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM (2nd Shift) - Position #146095
- Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer
- Hazardous Duty pension plan (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV)
- Retire after 25 years - with pension and healthcare benefits
- Career development and promotional pathways
- A supportive culture that values a healthy work/life balance
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
- Begin your law enforcement career through structured training and mentorship
- Support a mission-driven division focused on safety, respect, and recovery
- Help protect staff, clients, and visitors across clinical environments
- Respond to situations where your judgment and professionalism matter
- Contribute to a collaborative team committed to public services
MORE ABOUT US:
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) provides comprehensive behavioral health services that promote dignity, respect, and self‑sufficiency for the people we serve.
DMHAS’s Division of Safety Services - Public Safety Division maintains a safe and secure environment across our recovery‑oriented healthcare facilities. Our officers serve with compassion, integrity, and professionalism while enforcing the law impartially.
The division includes approximately 70 sworn officers, supported by patrol staff, dispatchers, and other team members. Working in a clinical environment offers unique challenges and opportunities, including safety and security responsibilities essential for regulatory and accreditation compliance.
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
Requirements:
- Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States by date of appointment
- Applicants for this class must have reached their 21st birthday
- Applicants must have a High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to admission to the Connecticut Police Training Academy
- Incumbents in this class must have established residence within Connecticut before becoming a sworn member of the DMHAS Police
- Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license during employment
- During the recruitment process, applicants will be required to submit a copy of their current Motor Vehicle Operator's license
The Protective Services Trainee hiring process is extensive; the time from application to appointment can take several months. The application to hire process is separated into seven (7) stages:
1. Application Period: Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
2. Physical Fitness Assessment: Candidates must complete a Physical Fitness Assessment that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.
Alternatively, candidates can obtain a valid CHIP card prior to and in lieu of the Police Physical Ability Test. To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule.
Instructional Video Links:
- 1.5 Mile Run
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 300 Meter Run
On Orientation Day, applicants must also pass an additional Police Physical Fitness Assessment to secure their seat in the Academy Class.
- Please note: preference will be given to applicants who have successfully attained their CHIP card at the time of interview
3. Interview Panel: Applicants will be interviewed by sworn members of DMHAS Police.
4.Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use, and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary, or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.
5.Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.
6.Background Investigation: Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle, and credit history.
7.Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.
DMHAS Police Recruit Training Program:
Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Protective Services Trainee. If you are selected into this role, you will enter the physically and mentally demanding training program at a POSTC approved Police Academy. Depending on the academy you are in, this program may last approximately thirty (30) weeks which includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and physical conditioning. Depending on the academy you attend, trainees may be required to live at the Academy, Monday through Friday.
Trainees who succcessfully complete all academy phases will begin field training and enter their probationary period. Trainees will be assigned to one of the DMHAS locations listed above for job training.
Important Information:
Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and maintain appropriate licenses, permits and/or certifications including certification by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
Please Note:
- Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Police). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training.
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.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
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 Alyssa Hovanec at Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for taking a prescribed formal academic and on the job training course in basic police work involving investigative and inspection techniques and procedures.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Skills
- general intelligence;
- oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to
- follow oral and written instructions;
- evaluate emergency situations and develop effective courses of action;
- deal effectively with those contacted in the work.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with vulnerable or diverse populations
- Experience working in a behavioral health, medical, or secure facility
- Experience interacting with individuals in crisis or with complex needs while maintaining composure and professionalism
- Experience responding to emergencies or fast‑changing situations, including following established safety protocols
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States by date of appointment.
- Applicants must have a High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to admission to the Connecticut Police Training Academy.
- During the period as a Police Trainee candidates will be required to complete a course of training to include completion and graduation from the Connecticut Police Training Academy program or its equivalent.
- Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Police). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training.
- Applicants in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.
- Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification.
CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties of the class. A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.
- A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
- Applicants must be able to pass a swim test including swimming 100 yards within four (4) minutes.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be exposed to unpleasant situations which may cause injury and may be exposed to uncomfortable weather conditions.
Salary : $53,684 - $67,755