Mental Health Support Specialist- Front Porch

**Mental 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, communica…