Peer Respite Guest Support Staff

Pathways Vermont • Burlington, VT

3d • $0 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

Pathways Vermont is hiring Peer Respite Guest Support Staff for Rosewood Cottage Peer Respite, a short-term retreat in a homelike setting for Vermonters age 18 and over who are experiencing emotional distress, wish to avoid hospitalization, or want to move through a self-identified crisis in a peer-supported environment. The program is led and staffed by people with lived experience. An independent evaluation is being conducted by the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI).

The role provides direct peer support by drawing on the employee’s lived experience of mental health challenges or crisis. Staff receive specialized training, including Intentional Peer Support, and assist with daily house operations. The position is in person in Williston, Vermont, working Thursday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Staff must also attend weekly team meetings, co-reflection, and supervision. The position is supervised by the Peer Respite Program Manager or Team Lead.

Requirements

• Direct lived experience of a mental health challenge or crisis (not solely substance use challenges) and willingness to share that experience when appropriate.
• Ability to meet the requirements of the Certified Peer Support Provider (CPSP) process with The Copeland Center.
• Ability and willingness to share personal life experiences intentionally and thoughtfully.
• Commitment to quality peer support and alignment with peer values and ethics.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to form relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including people who have experienced marginalization, oppression, and injustice.
• Willingness to self-reflect, learn, take responsibility, practice new ways of relating, and seek support when needed.
• Ability to negotiate crisis situations and set professional boundaries and personal limits.
• Ability to independently meet job requirements and prioritize downtime with guests and program-focused activities and tasks.
• Risk and discomfort tolerance, including willingness to seek reconnection after disconnection.
• Experience working effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work weekends.
• Communication, writing, and computer skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
• Ability to meet the physical demands described, including frequent housework and movement, occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and occasional exposure to high noise levels and people who are upset or in an extreme state.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience with mental health crisis services or response.
• At least one year of experience in previous peer support roles and understanding of the peer movement’s history.
• Professional peer support experience, Intentional Peer Support certification, and CPSP certification.
• Awareness of or experience with at least two of the following: the consumer/psychiatric survivor/ex-patient movement, mad pride movement, neurodivergence, risk reduction, healing justice, and disability justice.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential peer support using choice-based, person-centered, risk-reduction, and strengths-based approaches.
• Maintain an available presence at the house and build relationships and rapport with guests.
• Clean and prepare the space for guests in accordance with housekeeping protocols.
• Partner with, support, and advocate alongside guests to connect them with community resources and activities as desired.
• Support guests in understanding and exercising their rights while receiving mental health services.
• Communicate program expectations and limitations to guests.
• Understand and follow policies and procedures, including emergency and on-call protocols.
• Complete daily journal entries for shifts worked as part of a self-reflective practice.
• Stay current on peer support and alternative mental health resources through reading materials available at the house and attending relevant trainings.
• Provide transportation to guests as needed using the company vehicle.
• Attend assigned meetings and training unless excused by the employee’s manager or HR.
• Participate in assigned training and complete the Certified Peer Support Provider (CPSP) process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Long-term disability and life insurance.
• Paid time off accruing at 210 hours per year to start.
• Nine paid holidays annually.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Longevity Recognition Rewards.
• Access to Pathways-facilitated trainings.
• Access to Lake Champlain Chamber benefits, including discounted tuition at Champlain College and the University of Vermont.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed