Associate Mental Health Specialist

State of Vermont - Department of Mental Health -
Berlin, VT

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Job Details

Full-time
$24.59 - $39.04 an hour

Benefits

Wellness program
457(b)
Paid holidays
Dental insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Pension plan
Loan forgiveness
Life insurance

Qualifications

Behavioral health hospital experience
Inpatient
Customer service
Mental health facility experience
Human Services
Patient interaction
1 year
Providing care for clients
Associate's degree
Associate's degree in human services
Bachelor's degree in human services
Entry level
Psychiatric hospital experience

Full Job Description

Overview

The State of Vermont’s Department of Mental Health is currently seeking Associate Mental Health Specialists on Night Shift. Associate Mental Health Specialists will be given opportunities to learn the complex duties of the delegation and unit leadership and demonstrate their ability to carry out those duties. There is considerable interaction with unit staff, social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, patients, families, visitors, and treatment personnel from other facilities. The Associate Mental Health Specialist demonstrates positive role modeling when interacting with these groups in promoting and maintaining an appropriate therapeutic milieu for clients. Consistently communicates in a professional, respectful manner. 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, 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.

The work accomplished by this position is directly linked to the Department of Mental Health’s mission to promote mental health as a vital part of overall well-being by advancing prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused care. Our vision is that mental health is a cornerstone of health in Vermont. Vermonters live in caring, inclusive communities that respond with compassion and respect to mental health needs, ensuring everyone can thrive and participate fully in their lives. The work done toward our vision and mission uses the values of compassion, equity, integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Please review the Department’s Vision, Mission, and Values at About Us | Department of Mental Health.

As of July 12, 2026, 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.

Who May Apply

This position, Associate Mental Health Specialist (Job Requisition #53798), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact [email protected].
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.

Please Note: This position is open until filled. The State of Vermont posts vacancies for a minimum of ten business days. Positions posted as open until filled can be removed at any time after the initial ten day period. After the initial posting period, departments may begin interviewing and may close the posting without notice.

Environmental Factors

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years or more as a VPCH Mental Health Specialist.

Demonstrated successful completion of the VPCH Training Academy or equivalent.

Four (4) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.

Associates degree in a human services field and two (2) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.

Bachelor’s degree in human services AND one (1) year or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful work experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting, successful completion of patient care related trainings and/ or education is preferred.

Special Requirements

Mental 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 Compensation

As 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 Benefits of State Employment on our website.

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.

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