Psychiatric Program Coordinator

Northeast Kingdom Human Services; Derby, St. Johnsbury (VT, VT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

403b retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization providing comprehensive community mental health services in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The Psychiatric Program Coordinator supports operational, administrative, and clinical aspects of Psychiatric Services and serves as a central liaison among medical staff, clients, and partners.

The role emphasizes coordinating daily operations, care coordination, and documentation in the EMR, with focus on timely

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; two years of healthcare/behavioral health/administrative experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to prioritize multiple tasks in an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with computers and electronic documentation in EMR systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day Psychiatric Services operations, including caseload, workflows, and performance reporting.
• Serve as liaison with primary care practices, pharmacies, hospitals, and community partners for referrals and records.
• Monitor medication refill lines, manage prior authorizations, and document medication-related activities.

Skills

Organization

Communication

Electronic documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

LNA/CNA credential or Medical Assistant training

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Derby, VT 05855

Salary Range: $45,100.00 - $61,018.00 Salary/year

If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community-minded team at Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization operating with the purpose of promoting a high quality, comprehensive community mental health program in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Our mission is to enrich communities and enhance the ability of individuals and families to improve their lives. NKHS is a Designated Agency contracted with the State of Vermont to provide the highest quality of service in the areas of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, children and youth with serious emotional disabilities, and adults with mental health and substance use challenges. We serve the populations of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties through a wide variety of targeted programs for individuals of all ages. NKHS has employees providing case management, community and home supports, residential care, psychiatry, medication management, therapy, vocational supports, school based counseling, emergency care, and respite services. These services are provided annually to nearly 4,000 of our local community members, helping them overcome challenges and achieve health in mind, body, and spirit. Visit us at NKHS.org Check out Life in the NEK of Vermont!

Psychiatric Program Coordinator

The Psychiatric Program Coordinator provides operational, administrative, care coordination, and clinical support for Psychiatric Services. Serving as a central liaison among the Medical Director, psychiatric providers, clients, nursing and support staff, pharmacies, primary care offices, referral sources, and community partners, this position coordinates daily program operations and supports timely access to psychiatric care.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program & Provider Support: Coordinate day-to-day Psychiatric Services operations, including caseload and program-capacity monitoring, meetings, audits, reports, and other program activities. Assist with development and implementation of workflows, policies, and procedures; coordinate provider onboarding, transitions, and departures; identify operational barriers and collaborate with leadership to improve program efficiency.
• Referrals & Care Coordination: Coordinate psychiatric referrals. Serve as a liaison with primary care practices, pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories, and community partners. Obtain and facilitate authorized exchange of records, laboratory results, releases, medication information, and other documentation necessary for continuity and transitions of care.
• Medication & Prescription Coordination: Monitor the medication refill line; communicate with clients, pharmacies, providers, nursing staff, and insurers; and route requests appropriately. Complete and track medication prior authorizations, submit supporting documentation, follow up on delayed or denied requests, verify pharmacy and insurance information, and assist with medication-access barriers. Document medication-related activities and elevate adverse effects, discrepancies, safety concerns, early refill requests, and other matters requiring clinical judgment to licensed clinical staff.
• Clinical & Medical Support: Obtain and document vital signs and complete assigned screenings, questionnaires, and other clinical support activities. Prepare charts, coordinate laboratory orders and results as directed, track outstanding laboratory work, and assist with treatment plans, client signatures, clinical forms, and other medical documentation.
• Documentation, Quality & Compliance: Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record and other agency systems. Support program audits, quality improvement activities, tracking systems, and compliance with established workflows.
• Leadership & Staff Support: Provide day-to-day workflow coordination and administrative guidance to designated psychiatric support staff. Assist with staff orientation and training, promote consistent program procedures, serve as a resource for established workflows, and communicate operational or performance concerns to appropriate leadership. Provide cross-coverage and operational support as needed to maintain continuity of Psychiatric Services.

Qualifications

Required: High school diploma or equivalent; minimum two years of relevant healthcare, behavioral health, medical office, administrative, or comparable experience; strong organizational, communication, computer, and electronic documentation skills; and demonstrated ability to independently prioritize multiple responsibilities while working effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred: LNA/CNA credential, Medical Assistant training/certification, or equivalent healthcare experience; outpatient psychiatry, behavioral health, primary care, or other healthcare experience; familiarity with psychiatric program operations, medication refills, prior authorizations, pharmacies, insurance processes, laboratory coordination, and electronic medical records; and previous leadership, training, or program coordination experience.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Annual salary: $45,100 - $61,018, depending on education and experience
• Tuition & continuing education reimbursements and loan repayment program.
• Health and dental insurance.
• 403b retirement plan with Agency contribution and match.
• Generous paid time off, 12 sick days and 12 paid holidays.
• Outstanding employee wellness program
• Exceptional benefits package including low-cost medical and dental, short-/long-term disability coverages, life insurance, employee assistance program, and additional optional benefits.