Senior Mental Health Specialist

State of Vermont

  • Berlin, VT
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 29 days ago
OverviewThe State of Vermont's Department of Mental Health is currently seeking a Senior Mental Health Specialist on night shift. Senior Mental Health Specialists duties involve specialized technical level work involving the planning and delivery of care and treatment of individuals with a mental illness at Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital. An incumbent will serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in an assigned program area, under the general supervision of psychiatric nurses. Senior Mental Health Specialists differ from Mental Health Specialists and Associate Mental Health Specialists with assigned duties of a more complex technical level requiring specialized patient care knowledge. There is considerable interaction with social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, patients, families, visitors, and treatment personnel from other facilities. Work may include transportation of individuals with a mental illness to other treatment facilities with significant interaction with staff of other clinical service units. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strength-based relationships, and results orientation.Who May ApplyThis position, Senior Mental Health Specialist (Job Requisition #52930), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.Candidates, including current State employees seeking transfer, promotion, demotion, or persons exercising re-employment rights, must pass a fingerprint supported background investigation applicable to the position. Additionally, in accordance with AHS Policy 4.02 - Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates. Hiring managers will notify applicants who are in the final stage of the interview process of the finger-printing and background check requirement, to which an applicant must agree to be deemed eligible for this position. Applicants will have the right to withdraw their applications before finger-printing and/or a background investigation is conducted.Environmental FactorsIncumbents 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.Minimum QualificationsOne (1) year or more as a VPCH Associate Mental Health Specialist AND demonstrated successful completion of the VPCH Training Academy or equivalent.ORFive (5) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.ORAssociates degree in a human services field AND three (3) years of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.ORBachelor's degree in a human services field and two (2) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.Preferred QualificationsSuccessful work experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting, successful completion of patient care related trainings and/ or education is preferred.Special RequirementsMental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential job functions.Overtime work may be required to maintain safe staffing levels and is considered a condition of employment. The ability to work overtime as required is considered an essential function of this job class.Successful completion of a physical examination that includes movement and weightlifting testing, provided at a DMH preferred clinic, is required for this position.Total CompensationAs a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
  • 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
Want the specifics? Explore the on our website.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe 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.

State of Vermont