Mental Health Support Specialist- Front Porch

$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.

$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. Qualifications