Mental Health Recovery Specialist

Overview
The Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital is seeking an experienced Mental Health Recovery Specialist. This is a dynamic position that is responsible for planning and providing care to individuals within the facility. Incumbents will frequently interact and communicate with patients, as well as outside health agencies and family and friends of individuals receiving care.

Duties Include:
Therapeutic communication and support of patients

Crisis communication

Promote recovery

Development of therapeutic groups

Perform routine checks and constant observations

May escort patients to medical appointments and other facilities and provide support regarding these events

Promoting least restrictive involuntary emergency intervention and de-escalation

Facilitating groups and supervising one to one
Who May Apply
This position, Mental Health Recovery Specialist (Job Requisition #31460) , is open to all State employees and external applicants.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact grace.winters@vermont.gov .

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.

Duties are performed on in-patient psychiatric units, grounds of the hospital, and activity areas; may be required to drive patients on trips, and may assist with transitions to other facilities. Duties occur in an acute setting, and the ability to be flexible in daily work flow schedule changes as patients’ needs change is essential. Light housekeeping and kitchen clean-up may be required. Responsibilities may also include personal assistance for showering, toileting, eating, and other activities of daily living. There is potential exposure to bodily fluids, infectious disease, or cleaning products used in a healthcare environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in a human services field AND one (1) year or more working in a community-based, mental health program or inpatient psychiatric treatment setting.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field AND two (2) years or more working in a community-based, mental health program or inpatient psychiatric treatment setting.

OR

Bachelor’s degree AND are a self-identified individual with lived experience, stable recovery for at least two years, and demonstrated peer support/advocacy work.
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.

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.
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

Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families

Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan

Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule

Low cost group life insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

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.