Mental Health Specialist - New Ground

The Mental Health Specialist provides leadership and clinical support, performing all duties of a Mental Health Technician while serving as a role model, mentor, and team leader. This position coordinates daily unit operations by developing staff assignments, ensuring completion of safety and therapeutic tasks, and maintaining a structured, recovery-oriented environment. Working closely to aid the Charge RN and Clinical Nurse Manager, the Mental Health Specialist promotes consistent application of unit standards, proactive engagement with patients, and effective de-escalation and crisis management.

The MHS demonstrates the ability to lead behavioral emergency responses, coaches staff in therapeutic communication and group facilitation, and supports professional growth through mentorship, training, and feedback. With strong emotional intelligence and sound clinical judgment, this role ensures high-quality patient care, staff collaboration, and adherence to safety, confidentiality, and organizational standards that reflect the Brattleboro Retreat’s core mission and values.

Requirements

A minimum of 12 months’ experience working as a mental health technician or equivalent position at the Brattleboro Retreat or an equivalent hospital inpatient organizations Bachelor’s degree in human services degree preferred. During employment at the Retreat, has continually exhibited initiative in milieu management, exemplary communication with peers and other members of the multidisciplinary treatment team. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required Working knowledge of theoretical models of therapeutic care.

Training in CPI and CPR required, Brattleboro Retreat will provide. Has interpersonal flexibility. Ability to multitask.

Demonstrates emotional intelligence.