Mental Health Consultant-AWARE

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  Check out Life in the NEK of Vermont!

MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT – AWARE Responsibilities

Provide consultation to LEA administration, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team, other relevant education staff on mental health concepts, screening, prevention and intervention approaches for student social, emotional, mental health and wellness, protocol and referral pathways development, and effective strategies to engage students and  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, trauma-responsive schools, etc.

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 of 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.

Qualifications 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…