Director of Emergency Services

If you're looking for an opportunity to lead meaningful change in your community, join the passionate, community-minded team at Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS).

NKHS is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive community mental health services throughout Vermont's beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Our mission is to enrich communities and enhance the ability of individuals and families to improve their lives.

As Vermont's Designated Agency for Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, NKHS provides compassionate, person-centered services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children and youth with serious emotional challenges, and adults experiencing mental health and substance use concerns.

Each year, nearly 4,000 community members receive support through our programs, including case management, residential services, psychiatry, medication management, outpatient therapy, school-based counseling, crisis intervention, emergency services, vocational supports, and respite care.

Director of Emergency Services - Derby & St. Johnsbury, VT

NKHS is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to oversee our Emergency Services Division. This position provides leadership and operational oversight for Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care, 988 Crisis Services, Enhanced Mobile Crisis, the CARE Bed Program, and other emergency behavioral health services throughout the Northeast Kingdom.

Working closely with the Adult Services Division Director, the Director of Emergency Services will lead multidisciplinary teams, support program development, ensure regulatory compliance, oversee departmental operations and budgets, and help shape the future of crisis response services across our region.

The primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Provide leadership and operational oversight for Front Porch, 988 Crisis Services, Enhanced Mobile Crisis, CARE Bed, and related Emergency Services programs.
• Supervise program managers, team leads, and clinical staff while supporting recruitment, onboarding, coaching, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with State of Vermont, Medicaid, CCBHC, grant, and agency documentation and quality standards.
• Oversee program operations, staffing, budgeting, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement new programs, policies, and strategic initiatives that strengthen the behavioral health crisis continuum.
• Build collaborative partnerships with hospitals, law enforcement, state agencies, housing providers, and community organizations.
• Participate in leadership meetings, agency planning initiatives, and after-hours supervisory coverage as needed.
• Support a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, innovation, and compassionate care.

Position Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related human services field required.
• Current Vermont clinical licensure required.
• Minimum of five years of professional behavioral health experience.
• At least three years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• QMHP certification required or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Experience leading crisis services, emergency behavioral health programs, or community mental health services preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with budgeting, program development, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

SALARY & BENEFITS
• Salary range: $65,334 - $98,000 annually
• Tuition assistance, continuing education reimbursement, and loan repayment opportunities.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with agency contribution and employer match.
• Generous paid time off, 12 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Outstanding employee wellness program.
• Additional voluntary benefits, including AFLAC.
• Opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and career advancement.

Join a team that's making a difference every day by providing compassionate, innovative behavioral health services to individuals and families throughout Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.