Director of Emergency Services

Northeast Kingdom Human Services; Derby, St. Johnsbury (VT, VT); On-site; USD 65,334 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

CE reimbursement

Loan repayment opportunities

Health insurance

Pension/403(b)

Paid time off

Employee Wellness Program

EAP

AFLAC

Job summary

Northeast Kingdom Human Services in Vermont seeks a Director of Emergency Services to oversee Front Porch, 988 Crisis Services, Enhanced Mobile Crisis, CARE Bed, and related programs. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with state and federal standards.

The role requires a Master's in a human services field, Vermont licensure, and at least five years in behavioral health with three years in leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a human services field is 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 obtainable within six months of hire.
• Experience leading crisis services or emergency behavioral health programs 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Relationship-building

Education

Master's degree in Social Work/Counseling/Psychology or related

Vermont clinical licensure

QMHP certification

Job description

Job Location: StJohnsbury, VT 05819

Salary Range: $65,334.00 - $98,000.00 per year

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. Nearly 4,000 community members receive support each year through 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.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.