Associate Mental Health Specialist

About the role

The State of Vermont’s Department of Mental Health seeks Associate Mental Health Specialists on Night Shift. These specialists will gain experience in delegation and unit leadership, interacting with a variety of professionals and clients.

Responsibilities

• Learn and carry out complex duties in a therapeutic milieu.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with unit staff, social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, patients, families, visitors, and treatment personnel from other facilities.
• Communicate effectively with these groups to promote a positive therapeutic environment.
• Transport individuals with mental illness to other treatment facilities, interacting with staff from other clinical service units.

Requirements

• Two (2) years or more as a VPCH Mental Health Specialist.
• OR Demonstrated successful completion of the VPCH Training Academy or equivalent.
• OR Four (4) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.
• OR Associates degree in a human services field and two (2) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in human services AND one (1) year or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.
• Successful work experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting, successful completion of patient care related trainings and/ or education is preferred.

Qualifications

Positions are open to all State employees and external applicants. Candidates must pass a fingerprint-supported background investigation and criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment.

Skills

Positive role modeling, effective communication, and the ability to work with diverse groups are essential skills for this position.

Benefits

The State of Vermont offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 80% State-paid medical and dental premiums for employees and their families.
• 11 paid holidays and a generous leave plan.
• State-paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• A State-defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Low-cost group life insurance.
• An incentive-based wellness program.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

Pay

The step 1 rate for pay grade 21 will be $25.08 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $39.04 per hour.

Schedule

Shifts are typically on Night.