Mental Health Specialist

About the role

The State of Vermont's Department of Mental Health is currently seeking Mental Health Specialists to work day or night shifts at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital in Berlin, VT. Mental Health Specialists are responsible for the care of patients and maintenance of a therapeutic and clean environment in an assigned patient care area. Your day to day work will have a large impact on the recovery of patients in this hospital.

Responsibilities

• Receive formal instruction and related clinical experience in addition to performing regular patient care duties.
• Work under the direct supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse and/or a Senior Mental Health Specialist.
• May be required to provide training to other staff as a routine assignment.

Requirements

• One (1) year or more of work experience in a human services setting.
• OR Associate’s degree or higher in a human services field.
• Experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting preferred.

Qualifications

• Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential job functions.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of mental health disorders and treatment options.

Benefits

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, new hires are typically made at the salary range minimum. As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 19 will be $22.51 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $34.91 per hour.

Pay

Total compensation includes:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• Two ways to save for your retirement: 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.
• Incentive-based Wellness Program.
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Schedule

Incumbents may be assigned to any DMH Treatment facility and any shift. Employees regularly interact with patients experiencing serious mental illness, who present with various levels of risk to self or others - assaultive behavior, elopement risk, self-harm; and may be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.

Environmental Factors

Employees regularly interact with patients experiencing serious mental illness, who present with various levels of risk to self or others - assaultive behavior, elopement risk, self-harm; and may be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont is an equal opportunity employer.