Peer Respite Resident Support Staff - Per Diem

Pathways Vermont • Williston, VT

108d • $21

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

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
• Participate in one on one supervision, team meetings, and co-reflection as assigned
• Participate in training as assigned
• Other Duties as assigned

Benefits

• Flexible Schedule
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Access to a wide variety of Pathways facilitated trainings including Intentional Peer Support

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED