Direct Support Staff

About PATH:

PATH is a small, open, close-knit therapeutic community that offers intensive residential mental health treatment for young adults aged 18-30 years, in a comfortable home environment located in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Residents work daily with our specialized team to become more engaged in our community and confident in themselves. The goal is for residents to develop a sense of mastery, reflectiveness, and effectiveness in embracing life. PATH is comprised of a multidisciplinary, diverse, and psychodynamically informed clinical and professional staff that strives to provide a welcoming and affirming environment for all.

Direct Support Staff Team Members are responsible for aiding our residents in dealing with emotional issues and learning basic life skills through coaching, Direct Support, crisis management and de-escalation techniques.

Duties and Responsibilities include:
• Help foster a safe and therapeutic environment for residents, maintaining appropriate boundaries, identifying risks, completing patient safety checks as required, and assisting in daily activities.
• Encourage residents’ participation in groups and activities. Help recognize behavioral changes in patients and inform necessary team members.
• Participate and assist in PATH-sponsored events, both on and off-campus, including: outdoors exploration; sporting pastimes like skiing, hiking and kayaking; gardening; sharing in the care of the PATH menagerie of pets and farm animals; helping guide weekend outings to nearby attractions and entertainment centers.
• Assist in med room duties, as trained.
• Help the team maintain required logs, shift notes and documentation.
• Actively attend in-house group meetings as indicated by house schedule. Provide coaching for patients to reinforce skill development.
• Assist with driving of residents to activities, job opportunities, school and appointments as needed.
• Perform other responsibilities and duties not delineated above that are specific to area of assignment.

Training provided in First Aid, CPR, AED, self-administered meds and Safe Defensive Driving.

Requirements:
- High school or equivalent education
- 1 year caregiving experience preferred, though not required
- Driver’s License

Proof of vaccination for the COVID virus or willingness to wear a face mask at all times if not vaccinated.