Title:  Psychiatric Admissions Specialist

Application Deadline Date:  04/20/2026
Req ID:  54734
Department:  Mental Health
Location: 

Berlin, VT, US

Position Type:  Permanent
Schedule Type:  Full Time
Minimum Salary:  $27.50
Maximum Salary:  $42.94

Overview

Seeking candidate to fill evening shift position, 2:30pm-11:00pm, with every other weekend requirement.

 

VPCH Admissions: Admissions staff fills a multitude of supportive roles within VPCH and the system of care within the State of Vermont's mental health system. Admissions staff frequently communicate and collaborate with Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP)s and statewide hospitals to collect required documents for people under the custody of the commissioner of mental health.


Distributes all required patient information to hospitals to facilitate patient care. Enters patient information into automated systems and corrects errors and discrepancies. Admissions staff safeguards patient valuables and tracks additions and removals.
Admission staff track wait times for patients in emergency departments and medical units as patients make their way through the system of care. The goal is getting patients to their accepting hospital as quickly as possible.


Reception/ Visitors
Provides Reception coverage after normal business hours and during staff shortages. Admissions assists visitors to the hospital, assigns visitor badges as well as occasionally uses a metal detection wand in accordance with hospital policy.

 

EMERGENCY EXAM / WARRANT FOR EXAM / VOLUNTARY PATIENTS / COURT ORDERS
Receives referrals for admission of involuntary mental health patients statewide. Provides technical assistance and data reporting to care management and facilitate the transportation of patients under the care and custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health. Admissions staff are detail-oriented in the collection of patient information, and communicate with necessary parties regarding referrals, their disposition and legal status.

 

TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS
Admissions staff receives requests for patient transport from designated hospitals, Care Managers and QMHPs. Admissions staff coordinates transport for hospitalized individuals and works closely with sheriff's departments and Department of Mental Health contracted transport teams to efficiently transport patients with the least restrictive means.

 

EMERGENCIES
Primary point of contact for all emergencies at VPCH. Admissions staff respond accordingly to medical / psychiatric emergencies. Admissions coordinates with emergency responders to provide accurate information in a timely manner. Admissions staff monitors the camera system and when appropriate follows notification procedures as necessary in the event of an emergency.

Who May Apply

This position, Psychiatric Admissions Specialist (Job Requisition #54734), is open to all State employees and external applicants.


If you would like more information about this position, please contact Blake.Hutchins@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.


Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

 

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in an office setting, but with constant interruptions from telephone calls, visitors, and staff requiring assistance.

Incumbents may be assigned to different shifts as required to provide 24-hour coverage and may be the sole representative of the Hospital readily available to the public. Extensive interaction with patients and with their family members in emotional situations may entail some danger, significant discomfort and emotional distress.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of full-time college coursework or an associate's degree in nursing, psychology, social work, or a field closely related to mental health or healthcare.

 

OR

 

High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of work experience in a healthcare setting, healthcare administration, direct service to individuals with mental illness, care coordination, healthcare transportation management, or utilization review.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience providing direct care in a psychiatric facility. 

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

  • 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

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.