Residential Counselor I

Overview

Come join a team of dedicated and compassionate staff at a new 16-bed state-of-the-art Secure Residential Facility in Essex, Vermont. You will play an essential role in the person-centered treatment of adults with severe mental illness. The facility is over 17,000 square feet with a separate full-size gymnasium.

Residential Counselor duties involve the care a treatment of the residents within the facility and out in the community. Residential Counselors provide education, support with life skills and milieu management, Residential Counselors support residents to appointments in the community, activities and various community visits. Duties include co-facilitating groups and activities. Residential Counselors observe resident behavior and respond therapeutically with the aim to facilitate community inclusion, independence, and skill acquisition.

There are 3 separate levels within this job class. Although some job duties are shared throughout the job class, there are differences in some responsibilities including expectations around the facilitation of groups, leadership roles on the floor, etc.


We are currently recruiting for night shift positions. There is a night shift differential ($4.00/hr) and weekend differential ($1.50/hr). There is a pay rate shift differential given to those who work weekend and as well as those who work nights (6:30 pm - 7:00 am).

**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.

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 19 will be $22.51 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $34.91 per hour.

Who May Apply

This position, Residential Counselor I (Job Requisition #53778) , is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.
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 Factors

Employees regularly interact with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, who present with various levels of risk to self or others such as assaultive behavior, elopement risk, self-harm, suicide; and may be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.

Minimum Qualifications

Six (6) months of experience in a human services, health care, public administration or related field.

OR

Enrollment in a degree program matriculating towards a degree in a human services, health care, public administration or related field.

Special Requirements

Active Driver's License is required.

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.


Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential job functions.

As part of RVTR's compliance with OSHA standard 1910.134(c) which requires employers to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, RVTR administers fit testing procedures within this standard on site with all RVTR personnel as part of their initial facility orientation and annually thereafter.

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.