Peer Respite Resident Support Staff - Per Diem

Job Description

Job Description

Pathways Vermont Peer Respite Resident Support Staff - Per Diem

The Company : Pathways Vermont is a dynamic nonprofit agency committed to permanently ending homelessness and offering innovative mental health alternatives throughout Vermont.

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 interested in providing supportive social services to Vermonters including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.

The Peer Respite House is a new project that offers guests a short-term retreat space in a home-like setting when they are experiencing mental health distress, wish to avoid hospitalization, or have a respite following a hospitalization prior to their return home. The peer-respite program is led and staffed by individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, dark periods or difficult life disruptions.

The Role : The Peer Respite Staff is a member of a support team that provides excellent, consistent, and equitable peer mental health services. This position supports house visitors through Intentional Peer Support and assists with daily house operations.

As a peer respite, we require that applicants for peer support positions identify as having personal experience with life-interrupting emotional / mental health distress and other significant life challenges, and are aware that sharing some of that experience with others is a part of their job.

Location : In Person (Williston, VT)

Schedule : Per Diem, as needed (nights and weekends available)

Supervised by : Peer Respite House Manager or Shift Lead

Application Requirements :

A Cover Letter and Resume are required with your application.

Responsibilities :

Be attentive and available at all times during scheduled hours

Provide support and connection for one or two house guests.

Engage in relationship and rapport building with guests and provide service from a “choice” perspective utilizing Intentional Peer Support, harm reduction, and strengths based approaches

Engage in conversation and peer support related to dark periods and suicide

Communicate to residents programmatic rules and expectations

Maintain thorough understanding of policies and procedures, including emergency protocol

Maintain written and computerized records and communication

Create a welcoming and comfortable environment by preparing meals, cleaning and preparing the space for new guests

Coordinate, facilitate and monitor referrals to community services and activities, and advocate for resident participation

Attendance at the annual All Staff and Programmatic Retreats is an expectation of employment with Pathways Vermont, unless excused by the employee’s manager / HR. Retreats are held on workdays, during daytime working hours, and are fully paid.

Participate in one on one supervision, team meetings, and co-reflection as assigned

Participate in training as assigned

Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications :

Personal experience of mental health distress, extreme states, plans or thoughts of dying by suicide, or other experience that others may label as a mental health challenge required

Interest in connecting with others from a peer perspective; necessary training will be provided

Communication, writing, and computer skills

Highschool Diploma or equivalent degree

Ability to tolerate uncertainty

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to form relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences including people who have experienced marginalization

Sound judgment and good problem-solving skills

Ability to structure time, develop work priorities independently, and meet program expectations with regard to documentation

Ability to work weekends

Valid driver’s license and ability to drive vehicle required

Ability to work effectively as part of the team

Ability to share one’s own personal transformative life experiences

Risk and discomfort tolerance

Working Conditions / Physical Demands :

Ability to ascend and descend stairs often required

Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, standing and lifting of arms to participate in cleaning, cooking, space organization and other activities around the house

Occasionally meeting with persons in the community and / or visiting different businesses

Occasionally walking around the community to participate in activities with guests or accompany folks to necessary meetings

Rarely running or moving at very swift speed to avoid emergency situation

Regular operation of a computer and other office machinery including frequent typing

Frequent talking and listening in participation of exchanging ideas through spoken word and occasional receipt and giving of detailed information through oral communication

Some reading responsibilities

Occasionally lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds (i.e. carrying groceries, moving things around the house, etc.)

Frequent exposure to outside environmental conditions (all seasons) in accompanying guests in the community and outings

Occasional exposure to high levels of noise

Compensation :

• $21.50 hourly

Benefits : Flexible Schedule

Wellness Reimbursement Program

Access to a wide variety of Pathways facilitated trainings including Intentional Peer Support

It 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.