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 at NKHS.org Check out Life in the NEK of Vermont!
Starting Over Strong Vermont (SOS-VT) Flood Crisis Counselor-Temporary Position:
The Outreach/Education Counselor will support community-based outreach, counseling, and linkage to essential services to those impacted by the 2023 and 2024 flooding in Vermont.
The primary responsibility of Flood Crisis Counselor includes, but is not limited to:
- Helping disaster survivors understand their current situation and reactions
- Reducing stress and providing emotional support
- Assisting survivors in reviewing their disaster recovery options
- Promoting the use or development of coping strategies
- Connecting survivors with other people and agencies who can help them in their recovery process
- Provide outreach to impacted members of the community
- Actively seek out individuals/groups who may have been impacted by the 2023 flooding; this may include such activities as door-to-door outreach, sharing information at group gatherings, or participating in community events
- Provide support, resources and linkages to community partners as needed
- Lead promotion of the program via distribution of flyers and business card distribution, social media posts, etc.
- Record data on all activities and report weekly
- Attend meetings as required
Position Qualifications:
- Experience working with vulnerable populations (e.g., people experiencing homelessness, people living with mental health and/or substance use disorders).
- Experience working with adults, adolescents or children in crisis.
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- Comfort with and willingness to provide outreach and support in person (rather than remotely)
- Empathy and compassion toward others
- Ability to work independently
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations
SALARY & BENEFITS
- Competitive Salary
- Tuition & continuing education reimbursements and loan repayment program.
- Health and dental insurance.
- 403b retirement plan with Agency contribution and match.
- Generous paid time off, 12 sick days and 12 paid holidays.
- Outstanding employee wellness program
- Exceptional benefits package including low-cost medical and dental, short-/long-term disability coverages, 403(b) retirement plan, life insurance, AFLAC, employee assistance program, generous paid time off and additional optional benefits
