Peer Respite Resident Support Staff - Night Shift

Pathways Vermont•Burlington, VT

20h•$22•Onsite

About The Position

Pathways Vermont Peer Respite Resident Support Staff - Full Time Night Shift 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.

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. 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

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance
Long Term Disability/Life Insurance
Paid Time Off (accrual of 210 hours per year to start)
9 Paid Holidays Annually
Mileage Reimbursement
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness Reimbursement Program
Longevity Recognition Rewards
Access to a wide variety of Pathways facilitated trainings including Intentional Peer Support
Student loan/tuition assistance