LIFELINE CALL RESPONDER

Job DetailsJob Location: St Johnsbury, VT 05819Salary Range: $24.13 - $29.49 HourlyNortheast 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.

988 Call Responder

The 988 Call Center Responder is responsible for answering calls routed from the 988 National Lifeline. As part of Emergency Services you will be working with team members who are highly trained in mental health crisis management and suicide prevention.   

About Northeast Kingdom Human Services

NKHS is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization operating with the purpose of promoting high quality, comprehensive community mental health programs in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Our mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by promoting hope, healing, and support.  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 over 500 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

Essential Tasks/Functions/Responsibilities

Answer calls routed from the National Lifeline.
Engage in "active listening" approach that will actively engage the caller while assessing risk levels of suicidality.
Assess callers using the Lifeline version of C-SSRS (Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) to determine level of acuity and next steps for supports.
Use least invasive intervention to promote the use of approaches that emphasize cooperation over coercion.
Initiate rescue when an individual is at imminent risk and unable to participate in securing their own safety.

Education/Training

High school diploma or equivalent
At least two years of experience crisis response
Suicidal assessment and treatment skills are a plus

SALARY & BENEFITS

Competitive Salary $24.13 - $29.49 per hour 
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, life insurance, employee assistance program, and additional optional benefits.

NKHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.

Northeast Kingdom Human Services is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.
Qualifications