Mental Health Support Specialist- Front Porch

Job DetailsJob Location: Newport, VT 05855Salary Range: $21.25 - $25.97 HourlyMental Health Support Specialist   Front Porch Mental Health Urgent Care & Crisis Stabilization Program Newport, Vermont Full-Time Hourly Rate: $21.25 - $25.97   About Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS)   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.   Looking for a career where you can make a real impact in your community? At NKHS, you'll join a mission-driven team dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health and substance use challenges with compassion, dignity, and respect. As a Mental Health Support Specialist, you'll play a critical role in supporting individuals during moments of crisis by creating a safe, welcoming environment and helping connect them to the care and resources they need. If you're passionate about helping others, thrive in a team-oriented environment, and want to be part of an innovative approach to community-based crisis care, we encourage you to apply.   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.   Qualifications