State of Vermont·Berlin, Vermont
Plan and deliver specialized care and treatment for individuals with mental illness at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital. Collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team and interact with families, psychiatrists, and other clinical personnel.
The State of Vermont's Department of Mental Health is currently seeking a Senior Mental Health Specialist on night shift.
Senior Mental Health Specialists duties involve specialized technical level work involving the planning and delivery of care and treatment of individuals with a mental illness at Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital.
An incumbent will serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in an assigned program area, under the general supervision of psychiatric nurses.
Senior Mental Health Specialists differ from Mental Health Specialists and Associate Mental Health Specialists with assigned duties of a more complex technical level requiring specialized patient care knowledge.
There is considerable interaction with social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, patients, families, visitors, and treatment personnel from other facilities.
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, strength-based relationships, and results orientation.
As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 23 will be $28.05 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $43.80 per hour.
This position, Senior Mental Health Specialist (Job Requisition #53963), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Stephanie.S.Shaw@vermont.gov [stephanie.s.shaw@vermont.gov].
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. 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, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
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.
One (1) year or more as a VPCH Associate Mental Health Specialist AND demonstrated successful completion of the VPCH Training Academy or equivalent.
Five (5) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.
Associates degree in a human services field AND three (3) years of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.
Bachelor's degree in a human services field and two (2) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.
Successful work experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting, successful completion of patient care related trainings and/ or education is preferred.
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.
Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. 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, apart from those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
Successful completion of a physical examination that includes movement and weightlifting testing, provided at a DMH preferred clinic, is required for this position.
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment [https://humanresources.vermont.gov/document/benefits-flyer] on our website.
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.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in Vermont often reflect steady demand in community and residential settings, especially for candidates who can support individuals with intellectual disabilities. These positions can be competitive because employers value direct-service experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and reliable transportation for field-based work. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm how your experience matches the role before applying.
