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. This job description explains what is necessary for direct service staff team members at Discovery Horse. Please note you are applying to a general direct service staff position to later be chosen for a specific offer based on your experience, knowledge, and understanding. Although you might be applying for a specific tier listed below- our interview process and evaluation might land you in a different tier for your official offer. We understand this can be challenging and as such, Discovery Horse commits to open communication throughout the process.
WHAT IS A DIRECT SERVICE ROLE AT DISCOVERY HORSE? 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.
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.
** NOTE**Candidates do not select what tier they would like to be placed in. Through a rigorous interview process and evaluation, you will be offered a position within Discovery Horse that senior management feels best aligns with your experience. Tiers of Direct Service roles offered are outlined on the next page.
Levels of Direct Service Staff Direct service staff levels are determined by experience, knowledge of NeuroRelational Science, and the practice of secure attachment. As you can see, there is a lot of room for growth and development at Discovery Horse! We desire all team members to embrace our mission and vision and become skilled and talented parent coaches who will change the trajectory of mental health in our immediate neighborhoods and beyond.
Apprentice Relationship Support Specialist
Hourly Pay Range: $16 - $23 per hour
Education: High School Diploma
Relationship Support Specialist
Hourly Pay Range: $22 - $26 per hour
Education: High School Diploma
Experience Preferred: 2 years of experience working in a mental health-related field.
Apprentice Parent Coach
Hourly Pay Range: $24 - $35 per hour
Education: Bachelor's Degree (Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related field of study.)
Experience: 2 years experience working in a mental health-related field.
Associate Parent Coach
Hourly Pay Range: $28 - $65 per hour
Education: Bachelor's Degree (Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related field of study.)
Experience: 4 years experience working in a mental health-related field.
Senior Parent Coach
Hourly Pay Range: $50 - $80 per hour
Education: Bachelor's Degree (Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related field of study.)
Experience: 6 years experience working in a mental health-related field.
NOTE: All direct service positions require constant walking, climbing stairs, lifting, and carrying 50+ lbs. with occasional sitting.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECT SERVICE STAFF ROLES: Provide nervous system-based, relationship-focused support, for children ages 5 to 18 who have challenging behaviors. 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 for outings/field trips, appointments, and other supportive services. Practices accountability in all organizational and programmatic policies, procedures, safety protocols & community agreements. Document client progress and session outcomes accurately and on time. 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. Promotes 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 all 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 HIPPA compliance and state waiver programs. Regularly attends related compliance trainings as required. Participation in 24 Hour On-Call service during 7 day shift rotation Full time: maintain no less than 25 billable hours per week as part of 40 hour work weekProvide nervous system-based, relationship-focused support, while engaging in various outdoor activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, bowling or biking while maintaining connection with client and maintaining safety. Actively seek opportunities for learning and development. Practices humility & 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 your understanding of neurobiology, interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory through self-study and participation in professional development opportunities.
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 home life. 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 in performing 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.