Mental Health Support Specialist
Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care & Crisis Stabilization Program
Newport, Vermont
Full-Time
Hourly Rate: $21.25 - $25.97
About Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS)
Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) is a 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit Designated Agency serving Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. Our mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by promoting hope, healing, and support.
NKHS provides a wide range of community-based mental health, substance use, and developmental services to nearly 4,000 individuals annually. With more than 450 employees, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered care across the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
About The Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care Center
The Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care Center in Newport provides a community-based alternative to emergency departments for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. Our program emphasizes voluntary engagement, dignity, and connection, offering immediate support in a welcoming, non-hospital setting.
Looking for a career where you can make a real impact in your community?
At NKHS, you'll join a mission-driven team dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health and substance use challenges with compassion, dignity, and respect. As a Mental Health Support Specialist, you'll play a critical role in supporting individuals during moments of crisis by creating a safe, welcoming environment and helping connect them to the care and resources they need.
If you're passionate about helping others, thrive in a team-oriented environment, and want to be part of an innovative approach to community-based crisis care, we encourage you to apply.
Position Overview
The Mental Health Support Specialist is a direct support member of the Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care and Crisis Stabilization team. This role provides immediate, person-centered support to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or crisis situations.
Working alongside clinicians, peer specialists, and other team members, the Mental Health Support Specialist helps create a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment while supporting stabilization, safety, engagement, and access to care. This position plays a critical role in ensuring individuals feel supported, respected, and connected throughout their urgent care experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome and support individuals accessing urgent care services using trauma-informed, person-centered approaches.
- Orient clients to the program, services, and expectations of the urgent care environment.
- Conduct routine safety check-ins and monitor client well-being throughout their stay.
- Observe and document changes in mood, behavior, and presentation while communicating concerns to clinical staff.
- Assist individuals with immediate needs including food, hydration, comfort items, hygiene supplies, and environmental adjustments.
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and calming therapeutic environment that promotes dignity and recovery.
- Support clients with completing self-reported screenings and notify clinical staff of elevated concerns.
- Accurately document client interactions, observations, and interventions in the electronic medical record.
- Participate in team huddles, shift handoffs, and interdisciplinary communication.
- Support implementation of safety plans and reinforce coping strategies identified by clients and the care team.
- Utilize trauma-informed de-escalation techniques during periods of heightened distress.
- Encourage participation in services, groups, and care planning activities.
- Support discharge planning, referrals, and transitions to ongoing services and community supports.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive during crisis situations.
- Strong observation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented care.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Reliable transportation and ability to meet scheduling requirements.
- Ability to complete all required agency background checks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
- Experience working in behavioral health, crisis services, peer support, human services, healthcare, residential care, or related settings.
- Training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, de-escalation, or behavioral health support.
- Experience supporting individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges.
Salary & Benefits
- Hourly Rate: $21.25 - $25.97, based on experience.
- 403(b) retirement plan with agency contribution and match.
- Outstanding employee wellness program.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Comprehensive benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Employer
NKHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
