"At Spring Lake Ranch, you can see others grow, grow with them, and learn to care for others in a way never imagined. The organization prioritizes employee and resident satisfaction, and will assist any employee in reaching their goals. My experience was nothing short of life-changing and constantly educational."
Spring Lake Ranch thrives when its community is full of dedicated, diverse, and passionate team-players committed to its mission of empowering individuals to heal and grow. We believe that recovery occurs in the context of relationships lived with compassion, acceptance, respect, authenticity, mutuality, and shared work and play.
We are looking for people that share our values of hope, empowerment, connection to the natural environment, and community to join our team. Pay and benefits at Spring Lake Ranch are competitive and many intangible rewards of working here include homemade meals (often sourced right from our gardens and pastures), access to the pristine Spring Lake and hiking trails right outside your door, a whole host of friendly farm animals, and a community of collegial and supportive coworkers, all nestled in 700 acres of the beautiful Green Mountains.

Benefits
Medical Coverage
Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Spring Lake Ranch’s group health plan. The Ranch will cover 80% of the premium costs depending on the level of enrollment.
Dental Coverage
Dental coverage is offered the Northeast Delta Dental at no cost to eligible employees. The dental-care services offered under this plan include no-cost preventative care.
Retirement Plan
Employees are eligible to contribute to the retirement plan right away. After six months of employment, Spring Lake Ranch contributes 2% of an employee’s salary and matches up to 3% of an employee’s contributions. Employees are fully vested after 3 years.
Life Insurance
Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage equal to one times an eligible employees annual salary up to $50,000 is provided at no cost after one year of employment.
Disability Benefits
The Ranch provides short term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits to eligible employees at no cost after one year of employment.
Paid Time Off
Vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO) starts at 15 days per year and goes up depending on position and tenure.
Parental Leave
Employees who are birth mothers, spouses or civil union partners of birth mothers, or adoptive parents, will receive 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
Each week of paid parental leave is compensated at 100 percent of the employee’s regular, straight-time weekly pay. Paid parental leave will be paid on a biweekly basis on regular scheduled pay dates.
Paid parental leave taken under this policy will run concurrently with leave under the FMLA; any leave taken under this policy will be counted toward the 12 weeks of available FMLA leave per a 12-month period.
Spring Lake Ranch will maintain all benefits for employees during the paid parental leave period just as if they were taking any other company paid leave such as paid time off.
An employee who takes paid parental leave that does not qualify for FMLA leave will be afforded the same level of job protection for the period of time that the employee is on paid parental leave as if the employee were on FMLA-qualifying leave.
Flexible Schedule Options
Spring Lake Ranch is committed to helping employees face the demands of juggling work, family, and personal obligations by offering a number of flexible work arrangements such as flextime, a compressed workweek, and remote work options.
Community Meals
An employee favorite! All staff are welcome to partake in our delicious, nutritious home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Current Employment Opportunities
Social Worker
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is integrated into the Therapeutic Work Program (TWP) model of Spring Lake Ranch to support residents seeking treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues through their participation in the work program and therapeutic community. The Clinical Case Manager carries a smaller caseload than the Clinician (up to 3 residents) and provides individual therapy for their caseload, group therapy and daily case management for all residents. This role serves as a role model for junior staff on how to guide residents in their healing journey using what they know about the path to assure continued growth and sufficient tools for lifelong success.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist residents in developing and implementing a person-centered treatment plan as part of a team which includes individual residents, clinicians, family members, other Spring Lake Ranch staff members, and external consultants/providers. This includes creating and maintaining organized records of meetings and outcomes and facilitating the treatment plan review team meeting.
- Provide clinical oversight (biopsychosocial assessment, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, discharge/transition planning)
- Work collaboratively with the Crew Managers and Assistant to support residents in their goals and treatment plans.
- Work side by side on crew with residents and staff at least 6 hours per week.
- Serve as a member of the crisis response team during evenings and weekends and is part of the related on-call rotation. Provides interventions, crisis/risk screenings and coordinates with RRMC and Crisis team to assess criteria for in-patient psychiatric admission when necessary.
- Meet with families for initial family visits and functions as primary liaison for all resident family contact for their caseload.
- Support and mentor residents in the development of daily living skills to include planning for leisure time, building money management, health, nutrition, exercise, safety, work habits, and social skills.
- Provide wraparound case-management services for all residents, including but not limited to assistance with general organization, insurance switchovers, applications for SSDI/SSI, etc.
- Collaborate with med room and consulting Psychiatrist regarding any medication issues that arise when working with a resident.
- Attend staff, doctor, program, HUB, and other meetings as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicate and meet regularly with the Program Director and clinical team to ensure efficient, professional, and effective delivery of coordination of care services to Spring Lake Ranch residents.
- Collaborate and communicate with other members of the treatment team, and other Spring Lake Ranch staff in a proactive and respectful manner.
- Coordinate responsibilities and coverage with the treatment team, and other SLR staff when absent from work.
- Complete required documentation and keep resident files up to date for residents on caseload.
- Routinely complete assessments including DLA-20 in service of quality assurance and outcomes.
- Complete special projects as requested.
COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the SLR Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
- Represent Spring Lake Ranch professionally and positively to others including families, doctors, therapists, vendors, other providers, employers, volunteer contacts, friends, interns, volunteers, visitors, candidates, the general public, etc.
- Maintain respectful, therapeutic, and supportive relationships with Spring Lake Ranch residents and clients at all times.
- Maintain resident/client privacy by keeping personal information confidential in accordance with federal HIPAA legislation and Spring Lake Ranch policies and procedures.
- Willing to draw upon own personal talents, interests, and passions to develop special programming for the community and develop relationship with individuals.
- Participate in holidays and other Ranch special events throughout the year.
- Attend weekly staff and department meetings and staff development opportunities, meeting the training requirements for position.
- Participation in weekends, holiday rotation, and on-call as needed.
- Crisis intervention and assistance as needed.
- Other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in social work, psychology or a related field. Rostering required.
- Experience in mental health and/or substance abuse recovery preferred.
- Knowledge and experience of Windows OS and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Driver’s License and good driving record.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Desire to work outside year-round, in all weather conditions modelling a positive mental attitude and resiliency.
- Ability to use independent judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Strong belief and connection to the community model and ability to collaborate with all members of the community.
- Effective organization skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain flexible in a dynamic community setting.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to accept constructive feedback and on-going commitment to personal growth and improvement.
BENEFITS:
- Monday-Friday regular schedule (with after hours and weekend responsibilities).
- Health, dental and vision insurance.
- Short and long-term disability insurance; premiums paid 100% by Spring Lake Ranch after first year.
- Life insurance; premium paid 100% by Spring Lake Ranch after first year.
- Paid time off.
- Employer contributions to retirement plan after six months.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Clinical supervision towards licensure
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Relocate:
- Cuttingsville, VT 05738: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Internship / Externship Opportunities
These experiences look different for many. We’re open to learning your needs for this aspect of your education and talking about how we might partner with you to fulfill these expectations. Please reach out to Jennifer in Human Resources via the contact information below to begin the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.
Evening Shift Supervisor
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Evening Shift Supervisor position provides resident support, guidance, and assistance at the Spring Lake Ranch Cuttingsville program. This position serves as the “on-site person in charge” when scheduled. Actual schedule may vary depending on the current needs but will typically include evening hours until 10pm.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain a presence in the Cuttingsville Program Main House until 10:00pm on evenings scheduled.
- Maintain respectful, therapeutic, and supportive relationships with Spring Lake Ranch residents at all times.
- Informally and formally check in with residents to assess their mood, activity interest, recovery participation and/or to have casual conversation.
- Encourage residents to generate ideas for healthful and fun use of free time and to engage others in activity plans.
- Alert on-call staff person to any urgent/crisis level issues that arise and intervene in crisis situations appropriately and according to guidelines.
- Collaborate and communicate regularly (and as necessary) with other members of staff to exchange information, receive guidance/feedback, identify issues, and develop strategies for general and specific resident support during evenings.
- Understand SLR medication protocols and administer residents’ medications accordingly, if med room staff are not present during scheduled shift. Ensure med room safety and security.
- Contact emergency services or the consulting psychiatrist if necessary and according to guidelines.
- Supervise, direct, and provide shift training to Program Coordinators scheduled to work during scheduled shifts, in a proactive and collaborative manner.
- Ensure Main House is generally neat and clean, and appropriately communicate any maintenance issues that arise to the Facilities Team.
- Check on residents in the Annex: closing the building and turning lights off at 9:45pm on weeknights.
- Oversee and participate in the completion of dinnertime chores including dishes, dinner clear, pots & pans, put away, and sweep & mop, breakfast set-up. Respectfully encourage completion of chores to residents who are late, distressed, forgetful, or unmotivated.
- Oversee trip transportation arrangements in collaboration with other staff on duty.
COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to the SLR Mission, Vision and Core Values.
- Represent Spring Lake Ranch professionally and positively to others including: families, doctors, therapists, vendors, other providers, employers, volunteer contacts, friends, interns, volunteers, visitors, candidates, the general public, etc.
- Maintain respectful, therapeutic, and supportive relationships with Spring Lake Ranch residents and clients at all times.
- Maintain resident/client privacy by keeping personal information confidential in accordance with federal HIPAA legislation and Spring Lake Ranch policies and procedures.
- Willing to draw upon own personal talents, interests, and passions to develop relationships with individuals.
- Participate in holidays and other Ranch special events throughout the year.
- Attend weekly staff and department meetings and staff development opportunities, meeting the licensing training requirements for position.
- Crisis intervention and assistance as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Previous experience in mental health and/or substance abuse recovery strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to supporting individuals with life challenges.
- Proven proficient ability to use independent judgment, effective analytical decision-making and appropriate time management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, teamwork, computer, and organizational skills.
- Physical capability including moderate lifting, carrying, etc. This position consists of a combination of sitting, standing, and walking.
- Knowledge and experience of Windows OS and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to manage stress (for yourself and others) effectively while maintaining a sense of humor.
- Ability to accept constructive feedback and on-going commitment to performance excellence and improvement.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of team.
- Driver’s License and good driving record.
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinators provide live-in support, structure, and guidance to residents through informal contact, house activities, and work crew activities to create a positive environment and comfortable home-like atmosphere. They are role models for clients/residents on developing and living a healthy, full life.
ABOUT SPRING LAKE RANCH:
Nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont on beautiful Spring Lake, Spring Lake Ranch is a farm-based residential program for adults struggling with mental health and often co-occurring substance abuse issues. Through community, work and play, we help our residents find hope, meaning and purpose while learning how to manage their lives on a daily basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
- Provide live-in support, structure, and guidance to residents through informal contact and house activities to create a positive environment and comfortable sober home-like atmosphere.
- Assume various roles such as mentor, guide, and advocate to support the recovery, well-being, and community experience for residents.
- Assist the residents in the house with creating, shaping, and attaining their goals.
- Develop/apply interpersonal skills on on-going basis including flexibility, empathy, patience, effective communication, careful listening, limit setting, and firm personal boundaries.
- Assist residents with housecleaning and bedroom cleaning.
- On-call overnight coverage in the house up to five nights a week.
- Help with urgent emotional support and crisis intervention as needed.
- Work evenings and drive “Friday Fun” as assigned.
- Wash dishes when scheduled.
- Initiate activities, games, and conversation with residents on weekends and evenings.
- Support and collaborate with the staff person who is doing med administration by proactively finding individuals who are late for meds, including those who must be awoken.
- Provide transportation for Work Program, recreational activities, house outings, emergencies, etc. as needed.
- As part of an advising team for several residents in your house, support the clinician in the development and implementation of “action plans” to guide residents’ experience and attainment of recovery goals during Ranch stay.
- Attend monthly team meetings.
- Communicate frequently with your residents, their clinician and supervisor.
- Foster resident sense of personal growth, meaningful contribution, and social belonging through positive work crew interactions and experience.
- Ensure safety through worksite hazard management, proper tool/machinery technique, and following of procedures and policies.
- Communicate with residents’ treatment teams regarding concerns observed on crew.
- Contribute to weekly work program notes.
- Balance individual resident needs/challenges with task productivity.
- Encourage/teach new skills and appropriately challenge residents to develop the self-confidence that comes from accomplishing a task.
- Assist co-workers in getting the crew together and starting work on time.
- Clean up the work area and put tools away after each work crew.
- Coordinate and plan with work program leaders to develop projects and work plan.
- Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to the SLR Mission, Vision and Core Values.
- Maintain respectful, therapeutic, and supportive relationships with Spring Lake Ranch at all times.
- Maintain resident/client privacy by keeping personal information confidential in accordance with federal HIPAA legislation and Spring Lake Ranch policies and procedures.
- Willing to draw upon personal talents, interests, and passions to develop special programming for the community and develop relationships with individuals.
- Participate in holidays and other Ranch special events throughout the year.
- Attend weekly staff and department meetings and staff development opportunities, meeting the licensing training requirements for position.
- Crisis intervention and assistance as needed.
- Other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Desire to live and work in a diverse community setting.
- Ability to establish and maintain firm personal/professional boundaries in a therapeutic community setting.
- Previous experience in mental health and/or substance abuse recovery preferred.
- Ability to participate in physical work and physical activity in all possible outdoor weather conditions, activities may include outdoor work/active games/sports and moderate lifting/carrying of up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to accept supervision, feedback, and constructive criticism.
- Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility.
- Respect for others, compassion, patience.
- Willingness to learn and to try new things.
- Good judgment, responsibility, dependability.
- Enthusiasm, energy, initiative.
- Limit-setting and conflict resolution skills.
- Driver’s license and good driving record.
Job Type: Full-time
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Overnight shift
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person

To Apply
Click here to fill out an application for employment. Send the completed application, your resume, and a cover letter indicating your interest to Jennifer at JenniferP@springlakeranch.org.
Please reach out to Jennifer if you are interested in a contracted service provider role, or clinical internship at Spring Lake Ranch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Spring Lake Ranch provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, place of birth, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, health coverage status, genetic information, military or veteran status, crime victim status, HIV status, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.