Title:  Education Programs Manager - School Mental Health

Application Deadline Date:  01/06/2026
Req ID:  53996
Department:  Education Agency
Location: 

Montpelier, VT, US

Position Type:  Permanent
Schedule Type:  Full Time
Minimum Salary:  $32.87
Maximum Salary:  $51.52

Overview

The Agency of Education's newly formed Safe and Healthy Schools Division is seeking qualified candidates for School Mental Health Program Manager. In partnership with the Dept. of Mental Health, this position will act as content lead and subject matter for school mental health (MH), social-emotional learning (SEL), and school climate prevention strategies for the Agency's new School Climate team.


This position will act as a designated statewide expert in school mental health regulations, strategies, and integrated multi-Agency supports. While this position does not act as a MH clinician, they are expected to maintain expertise in how schools and school systems integrate MH as part of their overall strategy for safe and healthy schools. This position will work closely with other state experts to ensure that state-wide MH or SEL requirements can be effectively implemented and supported by VT schools and districts.

 

Other duties will include:

  • Review and alignment of Agency Education policies impacting school mental health systems, resources, and needs;
  • Collaboration and partnership with adjacent programs managed by DMH, VDH, and other SOV agencies;
  • Ensures effective use of Interagency agreement(s) between AOE and AHS which addresses roles, responsibilities, and integration between Agencies for projects, content, or legislation related to delivery of mental health supports in schools;
  • Develops and facilitates the provision of technical assistance to the field via webinars, large-scale communications, and other trainings;
  • Provides testimony or expertise for the delivery of relevant mental health supports in schools and advises AOE and State leadership on major policy changes and potential impact on school or district operations, equitable access, or effective delivery of supports;
  • Development of recommendations for the education field for how to collect, use, and analyze data and key indicators to ensure effective delivery of mental health and prevention services in schools;
  • Management of programmatic responsibilities Vermont's Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program and McKinney-Vento grant, which ensures that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education provided to other Vermont children. While the AOE Grants division will manage the financial administrative functions of grants management, this position will be responsible for providing technical expertise to LEAs on state and LEA responsibilities under M-V regulation, making recommendations to AOE leadership about effective use of funds, and ensuring equitable access to quality education for students experiencing homelessness and/or temporary displacement.

 

This position is largely autonomous, and engages with other AOE division leaders, federal program officers, and other State contacts, as needed. Successful candidates must have demonstrated the ability to complete their work through independent problem-solving, data-based decision-making, and mastery of relevant communication and time and project management skills.

Who May Apply

This position, Education Programs Manager - School Mental Health (Job Requisition #53996), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Courtney O'Brien at courtney.obrien@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Normal office working conditions generally prevail. Incumbent must be able to interact, work, and deal with Department staff, educators, state, federal, and local officials, and the general public. Evening and weekend work may be required. Considerable travel is necessary for which private means of transportation must be available

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in education, public administration, or related field AND five (5) years or more of experience in education or human services, INCLUDING one (1) year or more with planning, policy, program administration or a program evaluation role AND two (2) years or more of supervisory experience.
OR
Bachelor's degree in education, public administration, or related field AND seven (7) years or more of experience in education or human services, INCLUDING one (1) year or more with planning, policy, program administration or a program evaluation role AND two (2) years or more of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in leading strategic, integrated work in school mental health, SEL, and related climate-based activities.
Demonstrated experience in facilitating systems change and continuous improvement initiatives in an educational setting.
Prior experience working in State Agency(ies) and/or Vermont public school systems preferred.

Special Requirements

Some positions may have certification requirements or other special requirements.

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.


Nearest Major Market: Barre
Nearest Secondary Market: Montpelier