School Services Director

Job DetailsJob Location: Derby, VT 05855Salary Range: $65,334.00 - $98,000.00 Salary/yearIf you're looking for an opportunity to lead meaningful change for children, families, and schools in your community, join the passionate, community-minded team at Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS).

NKHS is a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive community mental health services throughout Vermont's beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Our mission is to enrich communities and enhance the ability of individuals and families to improve their lives.

As Vermont's Designated Agency for Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, NKHS provides compassionate, person-centered services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children and youth with serious emotional challenges, and adults experiencing mental health and substance use concerns.

Each year, nearly 4,000 community members receive support through our programs, including case management, residential services, psychiatry, medication management, outpatient therapy, school-based counseling, crisis intervention, emergency services, vocational supports, and respite care.

 

School Services Director – Derby

NKHS is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as our School Services Director within the Children, Youth and Family Services Division. This position provides leadership and oversight for school-based behavioral health programs serving children, youth, and families throughout the Northeast Kingdom.

Working closely with school districts, community partners, and agency leadership, the School Services Director will oversee program operations, supervise clinical teams, support strategic growth, ensure high-quality service delivery, and strengthen partnerships that improve student mental health and well-being.

The primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership and oversight for school-based behavioral health services across Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative mental health programs that support children, youth, families, and school communities.
• Supervise, mentor, and support clinical staff while overseeing recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
• Collaborate with school administrators, educators, healthcare providers, community organizations, and families to strengthen access to behavioral health services.
• Monitor program quality, clinical documentation, regulatory compliance, and performance outcomes while implementing continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide clinical oversight and guidance to ensure evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.
• Manage departmental budgets, support grant opportunities, and assist with strategic planning and program expansion.
• Represent NKHS in school, community, and statewide meetings while advocating for children's behavioral health services.
• Support crisis response efforts and collaborate with teams to ensure timely intervention and coordination of care for children and families.

Position Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related human services field required.
• Vermont clinical licensure preferred.
• Minimum of five years of professional behavioral health experience.
• At least two years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience working within schools, educational systems, or school-based behavioral health programs strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, family systems, and community mental health.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $75,000 – $95,000 annually
• Tuition assistance, continuing education reimbursement, and loan repayment opportunities.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with agency contribution and employer match.
• Generous paid time off, 12 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Outstanding employee wellness program.
• Additional voluntary benefits, including AFLAC.
• Opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and career advancement.

Join a team dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families by expanding access to high-quality behavioral health services in our schools and communities.

NKHS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
Qualifications