Emergency Screener

Washington County Mental Health Services Inc; Berlin (VT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Washington County Mental Health Services seeks an experienced Emergency Screener to provide crisis intervention across our service area. This full-time role requires three 12-hour shifts plus four hours of administrative time per week, with nights and weekends, based at our Berlin facility and with outreach throughout Washington County and parts of Orange County.

You will conduct rapid assessments in ERs, inpatient units, police stations, and schools, de-escalate crises, document thoroughly, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 3–5 years of mental health services experience.
• Master’s degree preferred and Vermont-specific knowledge is advantageous.
• Ability to coordinate care across multiple agencies and settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site crisis intervention in diverse settings across service area.
• Perform risk assessments and develop safe disposition plans.
• Document clinical activities clearly and timely.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Crisis assessment

Risk evaluation

De-escalation

Clinical interviews

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Emergency ScreenerWashington County Mental Health Services is seeking an experienced Emergency Screener to provide crisis intervention services for individuals and families across our service area. This full-time position requires three 12-hour shifts plus four hours of administrative time per week, including nights and weekends, based at our Berlin facility with extensive outreach throughout Washington County and sections of Orange County.You'll work in diverse, fast-paced environments conducting complex assessments and providing immediate interventions for people experiencing mental health and substance use emergencies while collaborating effectively with internal teams and external community partners.Summary of DutiesProvide on-site intervention services in emergency rooms, mental health inpatient units, police stations, courts, schools, and community settings including individuals' homes throughout Washington County and Orange County.Triage situations with flexibility and mobility, performing comprehensive risk assessments and conducting clinical interviews while utilizing de-escalation skills and evidence-based interventions.Make critical decisions and develop safe disposition plans in high-stress, fast-paced environments involving a wide range of complex clinical presentations requiring sophisticated assessment capabilities.Collaborate effectively as a team member with colleagues within Washington County Mental Health Services and external community partners, maintaining strong interpersonal communication and working productively with peer networks.Complete timely, organized clinical documentation with excellent written and oral communication skills while developing clinical competencies to achieve Qualified Mental Health Professional status within six months of hire.Compensation and BenefitsWCMHS provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement contribution matching. Our industry-leading paid time off package includes 12.5 flexible holidays and 12 days each of sick vacation days accumulated in year one of employment.The starting pay range for this position is $34.74 - $36.51Summary of Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree required with 3–5 years of experience providing mental health services to diverse populations; Master’s degree preferred.Knowledge of mental health, developmental disabilities, and Vermont social services systems, with the ability to coordinate care across multiple agencies and settings.Valid driver’s license with excellent driving record and access to a safe, reliable, insured vehicle for regular travel throughout the service area.Strong clinical skills, including crisis assessment, risk evaluation, de-escalation, and referral for acute psychiatric and substance use emergencies.Sound decision-making in high-pressure situations, with the ability to manage multiple complex cases while maintaining clinical judgment and safety.The ability to deliver services and complete treatment notes in EnglishWorkplace ConditionsWork takes place in a community setting. Frequent transportation of clients in one's own vehicle. This role requires some lifting up to 50lbs and ability to apply restraints to clients within agency training and guidance.About the AgencyFor more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington, and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment to individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”#DSP