Peer Respite Guest Support Staff

Pathways Vermont Peer Respite Guest Support StaffThe Company: Pathways Vermont provides community-based mental health services and collaborative learning that centers people as the experts of their own lives. We strengthen our communities and the system of care by elevating the voices of lived experience. Pathways offers a great benefits package including dental and health insurance, generous paid time off and paid holidays.The Program: Rosewood Cottage Peer Respite is a new program that offers guests a short-term retreat space in a homelike setting when they are experiencing emotional distress, wish to avoid hospitalization, and/or are interested in moving through a self-identified crisis in a peer-supported environment.

The program is free to Vermonters 18 and over and is led and staffed by people with personal experience of navigating complex emotional, psychological, or other life-interrupting circumstances. There is an independent evaluation being conducted on the peer respite by the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) to inform its development and tell the story of what it can offer.The Role: The Peer Respite Guest Support Staff provides direct peer support to guests by sharing their own lived experience of navigating what is commonly referred to as mental health challenge or crisis. This position supports guests through specialized training, including Intentional Peer Support, and assists with daily house operations.Available Positions: 1Location: In Person (Williston, VT)Schedule: Hourly positionSaturday overnight 8 pm - 8 am (PT role; 12 hour shift)Opportunity to pick up "ready to work" overnight hoursRequired to attend weekly team meetings, co-reflection, and supervisionSupervised by: Peer Respite Program Manager or Team LeadApplication Requirements: A Cover Letter and Resume are required with your applicationResponsibilities:Provide confidential peer support utilizing choice-based, person-centered, risk reduction, and strengths-based approachesMaintain an available presence and readiness at the house to engage in relationship and rapport building with guestsCreate a welcoming and comfortable environment by cleaning and preparing the space for guests following housekeeping protocolsPartner, support, and advocate alongside guests to connect with community resources and activities as desiredSupport guests in understanding and exercising their rights while receiving mental health servicesCommunicate programmatic expectations and limitations to guestsAwareness and adherence to understanding of policies and procedures, including emergency and on-call protocolsMaintain a self-reflective practice by completing daily journal entries for shifts workedRemain up-to-date on peer support and alternative mental health resources by reading related books/articles available at the house and attending relevant trainingsProvide transportation to guests as needed in the company vehicleAttendance at assigned meetings and training is an expectation of employment with Pathways Vermont, unless excused by the employee's manager/HRParticipate in training as assignedComplete the Certified Peer Support Provider (CPSP) processOther duties as assignedMinimum Qualifications:Direct lived experience of what is commonly referred to as a mental health challenge or crisis (not solely substance use challenges) and willingness to share when appropriate.

Lived experience with mental health crisis services/response is considered an assetAbility to meet the requirements of the Certified Peer Support Provider (CPSP) process with The Copeland CenterAbility and willingness to share one's own life experiences with intentionality and thoughtfulnessCommitment to providing quality peer support and alignment with peer values/ethicsExcellent interpersonal skills and the ability to form relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences including people who have experienced marginalization, oppression, and injusticeWillingness to self-reflect, learn, and take responsibility. Willingness to practice new ways of being in relationships and to seek support when neededAbility to negotiate crisis situations and set professional boundaries and personal limitsAbility to independently meet job requirements and prioritize downtime with guests and program focused activities and tasksRisk and discomfort tolerance. Willingness to try to find reconnection after disconnectionExperience working effectively as part of a teamAbility to work weekendsCommunication, writing, and computer skillsValid driver's license and ability to drive vehicle requiredPreferred Qualifications:At least one year of experience working in previous peer support roles and understanding of the peer movement's historyProfessional peer support experience, Intentional Peer Support certification, and CPSP certification preferredAwareness of or experience with at least two of the following: the consumer/psychiatric survivor/ex-patient movement, mad pride movement, neurodivergence, risk reduction, and healing justice and disability justiceWorking Conditions/Physical Demands:Frequent talking and listening in participation of exchanging ideas through spoken word and occasional receipt and giving of detailed information through oral communicationFrequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, standing and lifting of arms to participate in cleaning, cooking, space organization and other activities around the houseFrequent utilization of close visual acuity and reading from a computer screen, must be able to read information captured in type and free hand formFrequent exposure to outside environmental conditions (all seasons) in accompanying guests in the community and outingsRegular operation of a computer and other office machinery, including frequent typingAbility to ascend and descend stairs often requiredOccasional reading responsibilitiesOccasionally lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds (i.e.

carrying groceries, moving things around the house, etc.)Occasional exposure to high levels of noise and persons who are upset, angry, or in an extreme stateOccasionally walking around the community to participate in activities with guests or accompany folks to necessary meetingsRarely running or moving at very swift speed to avoid emergency situationCompensation:$26.50/hr - overnight rateBenefits:Medical, dental and vision insuranceLong Term Disability/Life InsurancePaid Time Off (accrual of 210 hours per year to start)9 Paid Holidays Annually403(b) Retirement Savings PlanEmployee Assistance ProgramLongevity Recognition RewardsAccess to a wide variety of Pathways facilitated trainingsAccess to Lake Champlain Chamber benefits, including discounted tuition at Champlain College and University of VermontIt is the policy of Pathways Vermont that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identification, or disability. Pathways Vermont is committed to a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve, and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.