Mental Health Consultant-AWARE

NORTHEAST KINGDOM HUMAN SERVICES INC • Saint Johnsbury, VT

2d • $50,644 - $68,518 • Onsite

About The Position

Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting a high-quality, comprehensive community mental health program in Vermont's 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 services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, children and youth with serious emotional disabilities, and adults with mental health and substance use challenges across Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. We offer a wide range of targeted programs for individuals of all ages, including 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 community members, helping them overcome challenges and achieve health in mind, body, and spirit.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher preferred from an accredited college or university in Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, or related field; licensure preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working in mental health systems; experience in school mental health is strongly recommended.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based clinical practices and the following academic frameworks: Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), social-emotional learning (SEL).
• Knowledge of research-based and best-practice interventions for social, emotional, behavioral mental health and wellness.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive and developmentally aligned restorative practices, trauma-responsive practices, and family engagement.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultation to LEA administration, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team, and other relevant education staff on mental health concepts, screening, prevention, and intervention approaches for student social, emotional, mental health, and wellness.
• Develop protocol and referral pathways, and implement effective strategies to engage students and families.
• Co-coordinate the district community leadership team (DCLT) to support student SEMH and well-being by leading needs assessments, planning MTSS interventions across all three tiers, and evaluating strategy effectiveness using shared data and district resources.
• Provide mental health consultation on the selection, implementation, and continuous review of a district-wide universal screener for student SEMH needs.
• Collaborate with the LEA Coordinator to train staff, strengthen LEA–DA communication pathways, and develop Universal, Targeted, and Intensive mental health practices and protocols.
• Support the development of mental health and wellness related policies and procedures such as universal screening assessments, referral protocols, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, behavioral threat assessment, and trauma-responsive schools.
• Collaborate with LEA Coordinator and technical assistance coach to continually refine and update the Project AWARE Implementation Plan using DCLT feedback and ongoing data review.
• Work closely with Project AWARE LEA Coordinator to ensure effective data collection methods for the grant including staff/community training, student screening, referral, and services received.
• Provide real-time coaching for staff on research-based and best-practice interventions for social, emotional, behavioral mental health, and wellness.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with VT Agency of Education, VT Department of Mental Health, LEA, other AWARE regions, technical assistance entities, evaluator, and community members.
• Participate in evaluation and budgeting activities related to Project AWARE.
• Ensure Designated Agency leadership understands Project AWARE initiatives and is consistently updated on activities and outcomes.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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