DMH Care Manager

State of Vermont • Waterbury, VT

1d • $47 - $66 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Mental Health is searching for a licensed mental health professional to join its skilled and dynamic adult Care Management team. This team works closely with inpatient psychiatric providers and outpatient providers at Designated Agencies and statewide Intensive Residential Recovery programs to oversee the clinical treatment for individuals under the care and custody of DMH. The position requires clinical skill and knowledge of major mental illnesses and effective treatment interventions. This specific DMH Care Manager position is unique in that it covers multiple aspects of the team workflow and has significant variety in the types of work performed. This DMH Care Manager follows the treatment of individuals who are involuntarily hospitalized or in the community with an Order of Non-Hospitalization through communication with direct service providers both in regularly scheduled conference calls as well as through email and in individual team meetings regarding specific clinical needs. While the position is not direct service, it requires a strengths-based and recovery-oriented framework to support teams in providing services in the least restrictive setting clinically appropriate. The position also involves completing Prior Authorization and concurrent reviews for Intensive Residential Recovery level of treatment to authorize the use of Medicaid funding. The position has administrative tracking and documentation requirements and requires independent task- and time-management skills. An additional component of this specific position is providing coverage for the DMH Care Manager who reviews all involuntary hospitalization paperwork and makes referrals to inpatient psychiatric hospitals based on the individual meeting statutory criteria. In this work, the DMH Care Manager communicates closely with the DMH Legal team, Emergency Departments, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, Designated Agency Emergency Services teams, and the Department of Corrections and its healthcare contractor. The ability to develop and maintain strong and collaborative relationships with community partners and the ability to support problem-solving in complex situations are assets in this position.

The work accomplished by this position is directly linked to the Department of Mental Health's mission to promote mental health as a vital part of overall well-being by advancing prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused care. Our vision is that mental health is a cornerstone of health in Vermont. Vermonters live in caring, inclusive communities that respond with compassion and respect to mental health needs, ensuring everyone can thrive and participate fully in their lives. The work done toward our vision and mission uses the values of compassion, equity, integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Please review the Department's Vision, Mission, and Values at About Us | Department of Mental Health.

As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 26 will be $46.78 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $65.80 per hour.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a mental health related field
• Four (4) years of clinical experience in counseling, social work, psychology or nursing
• Experience with adults with severe emotional disturbance
• Two (2) years of experience in a community-based system of care
• Currently licensed mental health professional such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; or possession of Vermont license within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of treatment options including inpatient treatment for adults.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the clinical treatment for individuals under the care and custody of DMH.
• Follow the treatment of individuals who are involuntarily hospitalized or in the community with an Order of Non-Hospitalization through communication with direct service providers.
• Complete Prior Authorization and concurrent reviews for Intensive Residential Recovery level of treatment to authorize the use of Medicaid funding.
• Provide coverage for the DMH Care Manager who reviews all involuntary hospitalization paperwork and makes referrals to inpatient psychiatric hospitals based on the individual meeting statutory criteria.
• Communicate closely with the DMH Legal team, Emergency Departments, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, Designated Agency Emergency Services teams, and the Department of Corrections and its healthcare contractor.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level