What are the responsibilities and job description for the Relationship Support Specialist position at Discovery Horse L.L.C.?
At Discovery Horse, our direct service roles encompass a spectrum of responsibilities, all centered around providing nervous system-based, relationship-focused support for children, parents, and their support systems. Candidates for these roles are evaluated based on their experience, understanding of relational neuroscience, and dedication to nurturing secure attachments. Whether working one-on-one, leading group sessions, or engaging with the community, our team members operate under the guidance of our founders and senior coaches. Self-awareness, a hunger for personal and professional development, and a commitment to humility, healthy boundaries, and accountability are essential qualities for success in these roles. Above all, we're committed to fostering a work environment where every team member is equipped with the tools and knowledge to apply the principles of secure attachment in all their interactions. Join us in creating a world where meaningful connections pave the way for transformative change.
Description
WHO ARE WE?
Discovery Horse, a behavioral health and mental wellness agency, is a sanctuary nestled within a serene 15-acre therapeutic farm in Fort Ripley, Minnesota. Our dedicated team provides nervous systems-based, relationship-focused support, employing a holistic approach to guide individuals, children, and families through the challenges of trauma and toxic stress. In addition to our individual and group services, we offer an intensive family program that places a special emphasis on parents, providing them with education, support, and a sense of community. We believe in leading by example and cultivating an organizational culture rooted in healthy, authentic connections. At Discovery Horse, we're not just about working for an organization; we're about working with it, fostering a paradigm shift towards workplace relationships built on mutual respect and genuine collaboration.
OUR MISSION:
We're on a mission to foster personal growth and empowerment, providing a space where individuals can uncover new insights, cultivate meaningful connections, and carry the essence of connection and wisdom into their daily lives. At the heart of our mission lies a dedication to fostering nervous system wellness, recognizing its profound impact on fostering connected and meaningful relationships. We prioritize nervous system education and wellness, equipping everyone we serve with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and nurture their own nervous system health. Safety, authenticity, collaboration, and trust are the cornerstones of our approach to building intentional relationships. We envision a world where everyone experiences a deep sense of belonging, security, and self-awareness, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with clarity and resilience.
WHO ARE YOU?
Discovery Horse is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Service Staff member to work with children with challenging behaviors, many of whom are neurodiverse, as well as their parents. Are you someone who recognizes the profound impact of the brain-body connection in promoting growth and healing through relationships? Do you feel compelled by a sense of purpose to influence the lives of others positively? If so, this position might be the perfect fit for you.
In this role, you will provide nervous system-based, relationship-focused services in various environments, including on our therapeutic farm, in the community, and in families' homes. You will maintain meaningful relationships with individuals while ensuring their safety and managing your time effectively. You will also drive commercial vehicles to transport clients during sessions. In this role, understanding that your own capacity for regulation is crucial for success. If you combine a compassionate heart with a spirit of innovation and a commitment to meaningful change, then you could be the ideal fit for our team at Discovery Horse.
WHAT THIS ROLE WILL DO
As a Relationship Support Specialist, you will provide nervous system-based, relationship-focused support to children aged 5 to 18 with challenging behaviors. You will work directly with children on our therapeutic farm, in the community, and in their homes, providing transportation as needed. Your role includes conducting individual sessions, supporting group activities, and ensuring a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for all clients. You will document client progress, participate in training and development opportunities, and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide nervous system based, relationship focused support, for children ages 5 to 18 who have challenging behaviors.
- Provide services at the farm, in the community, in-home as well as provide transportation.
- Commit to learning the difference between compliance and cooperation and with a willingness to build relationships focused on consent and cooperation.
- Responsible for building trusted and connected relationships with fellow team members, resident animals and clients.
- Drive commercial vehicles and transport clients unsupervised for outings and field trips, appointments, and other supportive services.
- Practice accountability in all organizational and programmatic policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Document client progress and session outcomes accurately and in a timely manner.
- Maintains minimal case load and unscheduled direct support as needed.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and continuing education opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment within the facility, on the farm and in commercial vehicles.
- Demonstrate sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism when interacting with clients and their families.
- Promote consistency and predictability in direct service delivery.
- Responsible for managing client spending budgets.
- Submits accurate and timely expense reports.
- Willingness to contribute to and participate in all farm based needs.
- Understands that schedules of direct care staff are managed by Discovery Horse schedulers, ensuring appropriate time for balancing client care, professional development and self-care.
- Maintains ability to be relationally focused while moving towards task completion.
- Maintains compliance with state and federal laws governing the work of Discovery Horse, including but not limited to HIPAA compliance and state waiver programs. Regularly attends related compliance training as required.
- Participation in 24 Hour On-Call service during 7 day shift rotation.
- Provide nervous system-based, relationship-focused support, while engaging in various outdoor activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, bowling or biking while maintaining connection with clients and maintaining safety.
- Full-time: maintain no less than 25 billable hours per week as part of a 40 hour work week.
- Actively seek opportunities for learning and development.
- Practices humility and self-awareness, recognizing feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual and environment.
- Continuously deepen understanding of neurobiology, interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory through self-study and participation in professional development opportunities.
- Must be able to pass a background study with the MN department of Human Services.
- A valid driver’s license with a clean and safe driving record to operate farm vehicles and equipment is required.
- Position requires constant walking, climbing, stairs, and the ability to safely bend, lift, sit, and twist while lifting and carrying 50 pounds. This includes maintaining proper body mechanics to prevent injury and ensure personal safety, as well as the safety of others, while performing job-related tasks. This position requires sitting and driving in a vehicle up to 2 hours at a time.
- Completes all other duties as assigned.
ROLE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides assistance and support to clients using concepts and principles based in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory and somatics.
- Responsible for maintaining trusted and connected relationships with the assigned client care team.
- Willing to work evenings and weekend days as a part of schedule.
- Learn and practice understanding one’s own nervous system and the ability to self-regulate in a multitude of environments and in varying levels of stress.
- Responsible for proactive communication with clients and their families.
- An understanding of the value of the rupture and repair cycle in relationships with a willingness to practice.
- Commit to learning and practicing the principles of secure and healthy relationships in all areas of one’s life.
- Mental Health Practitioner status and ability to develop skills and build direct service hours.
- Provide nervous system-based, relationship-focused support, during youth skills and relationship groups.
- May participate in equine support team during equine sessions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
- An Associate's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field is preferred.
EXPERIENCE
- 2 years of experience in providing direct support to children or individuals with behavioral challenges, preferably in a human services or social work setting.
- Experience in nervous system-based, relationship-focused support is highly desirable.
- Preferred work experience working with people coping with major mental and behavioral health challenges, specifically youth and caregivers.
- Preferred work experience working with neurodivergent and diverse backgrounds to include children with challenging behaviors.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Proficiency in Google Workspace, Therap and other software and technology for interacting/communicating with clients, client documentation and billing.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills to effectively manage multiple clients and responsibilities.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills to engage effectively with parents, children and team members.
- Proficiency in documentation and ability to maintain accurate client records.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Flexibility to work varying hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet client needs.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION
This position is deemed as a “Safety Sensitive Position.” Company employees occupying a position considered “Safety Sensitive” under Minnesota law, in which, in the opinion of management, impairment caused by drug, cannabis, or alcohol usage would threaten the health of safety of any other person may be subject to testing on a random selection basis, at the discretion of management or based on the requirements of a client.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are passionate and committed to our people and go beyond the rhetoric of diversity and inclusion. You will be working in an inclusive environment and be encouraged to bring your whole self to work. We will do all that we can to help you successfully balance your work and homelife. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with. It’s talent that matters to us and we encourage applications from people irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status or caring responsibilities.
Discovery Horse, LLC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.
We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, Discovery Horse, LLC will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, Discovery Horse, LLC also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact Discovery Horse, LLC to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. Discovery Horse, LLC will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
Salary
$22 - $26 per hour
Salary : $22 - $26
