Careers
“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.”
Former SLR Employee
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
Ranch Program Social Worker
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time; exempt position
LOCATION: Cuttingsville, VT
REPORTS TO: Program Director
COMPENSATION: $65,000-$80,000 + benefits
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is hands on and integrated into the Therapeutic Work Program (TWP) model of Spring Lake Ranch to support residents seeking treatment for mental health and substance use challenges through their participation in the work program and therapeutic community. The TWP Social Worker provides individual therapy and case management and guides the work crews in fostering opportunities for growth. This role serves as a role model in the community for other staff and for residents.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist residents in developing and implementing a person-centered treatment plan as part of a team which includes residents, clinician, 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 review team meeting.
- Provide clinical oversight (biopsychosocial assessment, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, discharge/transition planning)
- Work collaboratively with Crew Managers and Assistants 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.
- Participate in the on-call rotation, providing intervention, crisis/risk screenings and coordinate with RRMC and/or Crisis team as necessary.
- Meet with families for initial family visits and functions as primary liaison for all resident family contact.
- 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 including but not limited to assistance with general organization, insurance switchovers, applications for SSDI/SSI, discharge planning, 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 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 in a timely and thorough manner 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 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.
- Other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- LICSW or Master’s degree in clinical social work preferred. Consideration for degrees in related fields.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
BENEFITS:
- Monday-Friday regular schedule (with some after hours and weekend responsibilities).
- Health, dental and vision insurance. Dental and Vision premium 100% paid by Spring Lake Ranch.
- 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 match to retirement plan contributions after six months of 3% + an additional 2%.
- FREE Employee Assistance Program.
- Clinical supervision towards licensure.
Transitional Living Program (TLP) Care Manager
POSITION TITLE: Transitional Living Program (TLP) Care Manager
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time; hourly position
LOCATION: Cuttingsville
REPORTS TO: Transitions Manager
PAY RATE: $22 / h
POSITION SUMMARY:
The TLP Care Manager works both independently and as part of the Transitional Living programs team to provide structured, person-centered case management and life skills coaching to residents transitioning to greater independence. Care Managers serve as core members of each resident’s team, offering support and training in areas such as basic living skills, home management, social and employment readiness, and coordination of care. Care Managers also support treatment planning, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster integration into the broader community. They collaborate closely with internal staff, external providers, and family members to ensure continuity of care.
RESIDENT CARE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct weekly check-ins with residents to provide individualized support in developing independent living skills, including time management, budgeting, cooking and meal prep, transportation, and personal hygiene.
- Support residents in establishing and maintaining a connection to outpatient providers as needed.
- Monitor residents’ progress as they take on greater independence through employment, volunteering, or educational pursuits.
- Organize and facilitate monthly team meetings for TLP residents to track progress and set goals.
- Document individual/team meetings, treatment plans, and discharge summaries within EHR.
- Apply interpersonal skills including flexibility, empathy, patience, effective communication, careful listening, limit setting, and firm personal boundaries.
- Collaborate closely with residents’ treatment teams to identify and meet evolving needs.
- Communicate with Transitions Manager on a regular basis regarding programming, observations, household issues, and any concerns.
- Track and document resident participation in engagement activities, providing constructive feedback and structured coaching to support growth.
- Lead or co-facilitate life skills or transition-related groups.
- Provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments and community-based activities as appropriate.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation within the EHR, including weekly case management notes, treatment plans, and communications with external providers.
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and SLR policies for recordkeeping and confidentiality.
- Complete incident reports and critical updates within required timelines.
- Collaborate with the Transitions Manager and other care managers to ensure seamless communication and coverage.
- Participate in internal quality improvement processes and case review meetings.
COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Represent Spring Lake Ranch and the TLP program with professionalism in all community partnerships and provider relationships.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding and commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of Spring Lake Ranch.
- Foster a supportive, empowering environment grounded in mutual respect, hope, and personal growth.
- Complete training in the medication room to help with coverage when needed.
- Participate in holiday events, community gatherings, and scheduled programming at the Ranch and in Rutland including the holiday rotation.
- Maintain strong boundaries and therapeutic relationships with residents while promoting autonomy.
- Engage in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development.
- Other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred (social work, psychology, etc.).
- Previous experience in mental health and/or substance abuse recovery required.
- Strong interpersonal and coaching skills with an emphasis on empowerment and motivational interviewing.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technology.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Ability to model independence, organization, and wellness habits.
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care and person-centered planning.
- Experience coordinating with community providers (vocational, housing, clinical).
- Ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative communication with a multidisciplinary team.
- Flexibility and creativity in dynamic residential and community-based settings.
Housekeeper
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full time 40 hours / week
COMPENSATION: $17-18 / H
REPORTS TO: Logistics Manager
POSITION SUMMARY: Maintain high standard of cleanliness for all resident and administrative buildings on Spring Lake Ranch property’s including Main House, Annex, resident houses, and commercial kitchen. Order cleaning, laundry and other supplies/products necessary for housekeeping needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Meet with the Facilities Administrative Coordinator regularly for project assignment, prioritization, and progress while maintaining flexibility to shift to another project if necessary.
- Complete tasks as requested by the Logistics Manager.
- Ensure daily cleanliness of Main House and Annex.
- Oversee resident room cleanliness and provide reminders and training to staff and residents during house cleaning.
- Work with other staff to assist residents with specific hygiene issues related to room care.
- Provide orientation of housekeeping methods and procedures to new staff.
- Complete monthly/routine maintenance procedures.
- Oversee and schedule major household cleaning such as carpet shampooing, window washing, and wall washing.
- Provide for upkeep and maintenance of Main House laundry room and wash SLR (Spring Lake Ranch) common laundry.
- Provide for upkeep of coat/boot room.
- Clean heat pump heads, humidifiers, and fans.
- Set clocks in Main House and Annex.
- Work with the maintenance staff and oversee care/condition of Ranch furniture.
- Complete routine room inspections.
- Complete transitional room & apartment cleanings for residents and staff quickly and according to admission needs.
- Assist with resident and physical establishment emergencies if needed/requested.
- Ensure that proper preparation, safety, follow-through, and clean up/put away on projects are accomplished.
- Plan ahead, communicate and place orders necessary for completion of housekeeping needs.
- Order supplies and replace stock as needed including linen/bedding supplies, etc.
- Ensure tool/equipment care and maintenance.
- Maintain housekeeping desk areas, supply closets, storage areas, and attics in clean/orderly fashion.
- Serve on committees as requested.
- Other duties as assigned/requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- HS graduate or GED
- Desire to work in a community with a mental health/substance abuse population
- Knowledge of cleaning procedures, products and applications.
- Desire to work closely with others
- Good teamwork skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to lift 45 pounds.
- Flexibility is A MUST; especially willingness to shift projects, time, focus, methods, or priorities as requested.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision/direction.
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.
JOB TYPE: Full-time
EXPECTED HOURS: 40 per week
BASE PAY: $15 / hour + housing and benefits
WORK LOCATION: In person
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.
BENEFITS:
- FREE farm to table meals
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance (premium 100% paid by Spring Lake Ranch)
- Vision insurance (premium 100% paid by Spring Lake Ranch)
- Health insurance (premium 100% paid by Spring Lake Ranch)
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness (PSLF)
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Use of all amenities of 700-acre farm in Vermont
SCHEDULE:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Overnight shift
- Weekends as needed
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.
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 Je*******@*************ch.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.