Mental Health Specialist

About the role

The State of Vermont's Department of Mental Health is 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, directly impacting patient recovery. They receive formal instruction and related clinical experience while performing regular patient care duties under the direct supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse and/or Senior Mental Health Specialist, and may provide training to other staff as a routine assignment. Employees adhere to the Agency of Human Services' four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships, and results orientation. The position is eligible for full retirement after 20 years of service in eligible positions. The work supports the Department's mission to promote mental health as a vital part of overall well-being through prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused care, and its vision that mental health is a cornerstone of health in Vermont, guided by values of compassion, equity, integrity, collaboration, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and support recovery in an assigned patient care area.
• Maintain a therapeutic and clean environment.
• Receive formal instruction and related clinical experience while performing regular patient care duties.
• Work under direct supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse and/or Senior Mental Health Specialist.
• Provide training to other staff as a routine assignment.
• Adhere to customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships, and results orientation practices.
• Interact with patients experiencing serious mental illness, including those with assaultive behavior, elopement risk, or self‑harm.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.
• May be required to work overtime to maintain safe staffing levels.

Qualifications

• Minimum: One (1) year or more of work experience in a human services setting OR an Associate's degree or higher in a human services field.
• Preferred: Experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting.
• Special Requirements: Ability to work overtime as required (considered an essential function); mental and physical condition appropriate to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

• 80% State‑paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• Two ways to save for 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

Day or night shifts; overtime may be required to maintain safe staffing levels.