Mental Health Support Specialist- Front Porch

Northeast Kingdom Human Services; Newport (VT); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Outstanding employee wellness program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) in Newport, Vermont, is hiring a Mental Health Support Specialist for the Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care Center. The role provides immediate, person-centered support during emotional distress or crisis, working with clinicians and peers in a safe, therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities include safety check-ins, documentation in EMR, and assisting with discharge planning and referrals to ongoing services.

Qualifications

• Requirements include High School Diploma or GED and ability to work calmly in crisis situations.
• Strong observation, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Commitment to trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

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.
• Accurately document client interactions, observations, and interventions in the electronic medical record.
• Support discharge planning, referrals, and transitions to ongoing services and community supports.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field

Job description

Mental Health Support Specialist

Location: Newport, VT 05855. Salary Range: $21.25 - $25.97 hourly.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
• Experience working in behavioral health, crisis services, peer support, human services, healthcare, residential care, or related settings.
• Training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, de-escalation, or behavioral health support.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges.

Salary & Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $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.