Mental Health Specialist

Overview

The State of Vermont's Department of Mental Health is currently seeking Mental Health Specialists to work day or night shifts at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital in Berlin, VT. Mental Health Specialists are responsible for the care of patients and maintenance of a therapeutic and clean environment in an assigned patient care area. Your day to day work will have a large impact on the recovery of patients in this hospital.

The Mental Health Specialist will receive formal instruction and related clinical experience in addition to performing regular patient care duties. Your work will be performed under the direct supervision of a of a Psychiatric Nurse and/or a Senior Mental Health Specialist. The Mental Health Specialist may be required to provide training to other staff as a routine assignment. 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. 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.

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, new hires are typically made at the salary range minimum.

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, Mental Health Specialist (Job Requisition #53076) , is open to all State employees and external applicants. 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.

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

One (1) year or more of work experience in a human services setting.

OR

Associate's degree or higher in a human services field.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting.

Special Requirements

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.

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.