Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health Specialist

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.

The Mental Health Specialist will receive formal instruction and related clinical experience in addition to performing regular patient care duties. Your work will be performed under the direct supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse and/or a Senior Mental Health Specialist. The Mental Health Specialist may be required to provide training to other staff as a routine assignment. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships, and results orientation.

This position is eligible for full retirement after 20 years of service in eligible positions in recognition of the challenges of front-line mental health work. More information can be found here.

Job Description

• Provide care for patients and maintain a therapeutic and clean environment in an assigned patient care area.
• Perform regular patient care duties under the supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse and/or Senior Mental Health Specialist.
• Provide training to other staff as needed.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent AND one (1) year or more of work experience in a human services setting.
• OR Associate's degree or higher in a human services field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting.

Special Requirements

• Overtime work may be required to maintain safe staffing levels and is considered a condition of employment.
• Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential job functions.

Benefits

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.