Our Working Culture at Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor is being built as a place where people can exhale—both guests and staff. The culture we are intentionally shaping is one rooted in steadiness, mutual respect, and emotional maturity. We value presence over performance, integrity over urgency, and repair over perfection.

This is work that asks for self-awareness. Staff are not expected to be therapists, saviors, or endlessly resilient. We do expect a willingness to reflect, to communicate directly and kindly, and to tend to one’s own nervous system alongside supporting others. Boundaries are honored here—not as walls, but as structures that make genuine connection possible.

We believe that good work happens in environments where people are allowed to be human. That means acknowledging limits, making room for rest, and addressing conflict thoughtfully rather than avoiding it or escalating it. Power is handled carefully. Feedback is given with care. No one is asked to disappear parts of themselves in order to belong—but no one is asked to carry more than what is theirs.

Safe Harbor is a relational workplace by design. Collaboration matters. Reliability matters. Humility matters. We are especially attentive to how people hold responsibility, respond to vulnerability, and move when things are uncertain.

If you are drawn to work that is grounded, meaningful, and relational—and if you value depth, steadiness, and ethical care over speed or status—you may find yourself at home here.

Who This May Not Be a Good Fit For

Safe Harbor may not be the right environment for everyone, and we believe it’s important to name that openly.

This work may be challenging for those who prefer rigid hierarchy, tightly prescribed roles, or highly standardized, top-down systems. While there is structure here, it is responsive rather than bureaucratic, and it requires comfort with shared responsibility, nuance, and relational decision-making.

It may also not be a good fit for people who need constant external validation, who struggle with boundaries, or who are drawn to helping roles as a way to avoid their own inner work. This environment asks for emotional regulation, personal accountability, and a willingness to pause rather than react.

Those who are uncomfortable with ambiguity, slower pacing, or work that cannot be reduced to metrics or checklists may find this setting frustrating. Safe Harbor prioritizes depth, safety, and ethical care over speed, scale, or productivity optics.

Finally, this may not be a good fit for anyone seeking status, authority, or control through their role. Leadership here is quiet and responsibility-based, not positional.

We share this not to discourage, but to ensure alignment—for the wellbeing of staff, guests, and the culture we are protecting.

Number of openings: 2

Status: Full-Time

Schedule: 8:00am–4:00pm, rotating weekends as needed

Reports to: House Manager + Program Director

Compensation: $70K annually + benefits

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Support Specialist is the heart of Safe Harbor Peer Respite Center. This role provides non-clinical, trauma-informed, deeply attuned peer support for guests navigating dissociation, complex trauma, and emotional overwhelm. Peer Specialists help maintain a calm, relationally anchored environment; offer one-on-one and group support; co-create safety with guests; and model grounded presence throughout the day.

This is a lived-experience role. Applicants should have personal experience with dissociation, trauma recovery, mental health challenges, or psychiatric survivorship — and be able to use that experience in skillful, boundaried ways to support others.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Peer Support & Daily Engagement

• Build authentic, non-hierarchical relationships with guests.
• Provide one-on-one support, grounding, and emotional co-regulation.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate small peer-led groups, activities, or check-ins.
• Support guests navigating switching, memory gaps, or dissociative distress with respect and attunement.
• Maintain a culturally humble, queer- and disability-affirming approach.

Safety & Environment

• Help maintain a welcoming, stable, home-like atmosphere.
• Support conflict de-escalation using non-coercive practices (no restraints, no forced interventions).
• Observe and communicate changes in guest wellbeing.
• Participate in morning handoff and afternoon debriefs with staff.

Household Rhythms

• Assist with light daily tasks that support guest dignity and community living (laundry rotation, tidying shared spaces, meal set-up with kitchen staff).
• Help maintain structure and predictability — essential for guests dealing with dissociation.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete required shift notes and guest support logs using trauma-informed, non-pathologizing language.
• Communicate updates to the House Manager and incoming shift staff.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Lived experience with trauma, dissociation, or navigated mental health challenges.
• Strong grounding, emotional regulation, and interpersonal boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm and present amid distress or dysregulation.
• Commitment to peer support values: autonomy, collaboration, mutuality, and self-determination.
• Must pass a background check as required by Michigan licensing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(Not required — these reduce barriers.)

• Prior peer support, shelter work, respite work, crisis response, or residential experience.
• Experience in disability spaces, survivor advocacy, or community support.
• Familiarity with dissociation, plurality/multiplicity, or trauma-informed approaches.
• Comfort facilitating small groups or activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Residential, home-like setting with shared community spaces.
• Guests may experience distress, switching, shutdown, panic, or emotional intensity.
• Staff must navigate multiple needs at once while maintaining a grounded presence.
• Moderate physical activity (moving supplies, light cleaning, supporting household rhythms).

TRAINING PROVIDED BY SAFE HARBOR

All Peer Support Specialists receive:

• Trauma-informed peer support training
• Dissociation and multiplicity training
• Crisis response without coercion
• Boundaries & ethical peer practice
• Documentation skills
• Sensory tools, grounding methods, Somatic basics
• Shadow shifts and ongoing mentorship

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Warmth + presence
• Self-awareness
• Emotional regulation
• Clear boundaries
• Collaborative communication
• Anti-oppressive mindset
• Capacity to hold complexity
• Respect for guest autonomy

Number of openings: 1

Status: Full-Time

Schedule: 4:00pm–12:00am, rotating weekends as needed

Reports to: House Manager + Program Director

Compensation: $70,000 annually, with benefits

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Support Specialist — Second Shift plays a key role in the evening hours when guests often experience increased emotional fluctuation, fatigue, or dissociation. This role provides non-clinical, trauma-informed peer support; helps maintain structure and stability as the day winds down; and works closely with the live-in House Manager for end-of-shift transition.

Second shift staff support evening groups, community rhythms, grounding practices after sundown, and guest check-ins before bedtime. This role requires a strong, calm presence and the ability to navigate relational needs with warmth and boundaries.

This is a lived-experience position. Applicants should have personal experience with trauma, dissociation, healing work, or navigating mental health systems — and the capacity to use that experience in skilled, grounded ways.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Peer Support & Evening Engagement

• Build attuned, mutual, non-hierarchical relationships with guests.
• Provide one-on-one support, grounding, and emotional co-regulation during evening hours.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate early-evening groups, gentle activities, or reflective check-ins.
• Help guests unwind from daytime stimulation; support transitions into nighttime routines.
• Support guests during dissociative episodes, switching, anxiety spikes, or emotional overwhelm.

Environment, Rhythm, and Safety

• Maintain a calm, steady environment as the household settles for the night.
• Support conflict de-escalation using non-coercive, peer-based approaches.
• Observe changes in guest wellbeing and communicate appropriately to the House Manager.
• Participate in afternoon handoff and write the end-of-shift report for overnight continuity.

Household + Evening Structure

• Assist with light household tasks: kitchen cleanup after dinner, tidying shared spaces, resetting the home for the next morning.
• Help maintain predictable rhythms that support nervous system regulation.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff as needed for evening snacks or dietary needs.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete required shift notes and guest logs using non-pathologizing, trauma-informed language.
• Convey relevant updates to the live-in House Manager for overnight coverage.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing training.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Lived experience navigating trauma, dissociation, mental health challenges, or psychiatric survivorship.
• Strong grounding skills and emotional regulation capacity.
• Ability to stay steady in the face of distress or dysregulation.
• Commitment to peer support values and autonomy-centered care.
• Must pass a background check per Michigan licensing requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(Not required — barriers should be low.)

• Experience in peer support, respite work, crisis response, disability advocacy, or survivor communities.
• Familiarity with dissociation, plurality, and trauma responses.
• Comfort with gentle group facilitation.
• Experience supporting people through nighttime transitions or end-of-day routines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Residential, home-like facility with shared spaces and varied sensory needs.
• Evening hours may come with increased emotional intensity, fatigue, or dissociative episodes.
• Staff must balance relational presence with maintaining quiet stability.
• Light physical activity required (tidying, meal-related tasks, resetting spaces).

TRAINING PROVIDED BY SAFE HARBOR

• Trauma-informed peer support foundations
• Dissociation and multiplicity training
• Nighttime-specific grounding + sensory tools
• Crisis support without coercion
• Boundaries and ethical peer practice
• Documentation + communication skills
• Shadow shifts with day and overnight staff

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Warm, grounded evening presence
• Self-awareness + emotional steadiness
• Boundary clarity
• Respect for guest autonomy
• Ability to hold complexity without pathologizing
• Collaborative, anti-oppressive approach
• Maintaining calm in low-light, end-of-day settings

Number of openings: 1

Status: Full-Time

Schedule: Regular daytime hours (exact schedule to be determined)

Reports to: Program Director

Compensation: $70K annually + benefits

POSITION SUMMARY

The Receptionist / Front Desk Coordinator is the first point of contact for guests, staff, visitors, referral sources, and community partners. This role helps create a warm, organized, and grounded atmosphere the moment someone walks through the door or calls the center.

The Coordinator manages the flow of daily operations at the front desk, assists with administrative tasks, and ensures that communication across the team is smooth, responsive, and regulated. Because guests at Safe Harbor may experience dissociation, anxiety, overwhelm, or trauma activation, this role requires a calm, steady presence and a kind, non-clinical approach.

This is not a peer support role, but sensitivity to trauma-informed and autonomy-centered care is essential.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Front Desk Operations

• Serve as the welcoming, steady point of contact for guests, staff, visitors, and callers.
• Answer phones, emails, and general inquiries with warmth and clear boundaries.
• Greet visitors and ensure proper check-in/check-out procedures are followed.
• Maintain a calm, organized front desk area that supports a sense of safety.

Administrative Support

• Assist with scheduling group sessions, appointments, staff meetings, and guest intake times.
• Manage the center’s main communication channels (email inbox, phone line, message logs).
• Organize files, maintain records per licensing guidance, and support documentation flow.
• Assist with maintaining the staff calendar, training schedule, and facility use coordination.

Guest Experience + Household Rhythm

• Offer gentle orientation to new guests (house layout, schedules, expectations, resources).
• Support guests with basic questions about meals, activities, or daily routines.
• Redirect guests requiring emotional support to the Peer Support Specialists.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold trauma-informed frontline communication.

Communication & Coordination

• Relay important information between shifts, staff members, and leadership.
• Notify appropriate team members of guest arrivals, scheduled events, or concerns.
• Assist the House Manager and Program Director with operational updates or tasks.
• Monitor visitor flow to ensure household consistency and reduce overstimulation.

Facility + Supplies

• Keep front desk supplies stocked and organized.
• Assist with ordering office supplies (with approval).
• Help maintain a comfortable, sensory-considerate lobby/welcome area.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Prior experience in administrative work, customer service, front desk coordination, or reception.
• Strong communication skills — calm tone, clarity, warmth, good boundaries.
• Ability to maintain composure in the presence of emotional intensity or dysregulation.
• Exceptional organization and ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
• Comfort working in a trauma-informed, non-clinical environment.
• Must pass a background check per Michigan licensing requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(Not required; barriers intentionally kept low.)

• Experience in residential programs, nonprofits, mental health settings, or community services.
• Familiarity with dissociation, plurality, trauma responses, or sensory needs.
• Ability to work alongside peer support staff and clinical staff harmoniously.
• Basic tech competence (email, scheduling systems, document organization).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Residential, home-like setting with a steady flow of guests, staff, and visitors.
• Emotional intensity may fluctuate throughout the day.
• Requires sitting, light walking, and occasional support with simple household tasks.
• Must be comfortable with a community-based, collaborative atmosphere.

TRAINING PROVIDED BY SAFE HARBOR

• Trauma-informed communication
• Orientation to dissociation and multiplicity
• Boundaries and de-escalation basics (non-clinical)
• Documentation + confidentiality standards
• Front desk protocols + safety procedures
• Ongoing supervision and skill development

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Warm, grounded presence
• Strong boundaries
• Clear and compassionate communication
• Reliability and consistency
• Organizational excellence
• Ability to remain calm amid chaos
• Respect for guest autonomy and privacy

Number of openings: 1

Status: Full-Time, On-Site Housing Included

Schedule: Varied; on-site presence required with flexible daytime/evening availability

Reports to: Program Director

Compensation: $50,000 annually, with benefits + on-site housing

POSITION SUMMARY

The Live-In House Manager is responsible for supporting the day-to-day functioning, atmosphere, and stability of Safe Harbor Peer Respite Center. This role combines practical household oversight with relational presence, evening availability, and coordination across shifts to ensure continuity of care and smooth operations.

This is not a clinical role. The House Manager does not diagnose, treat, or provide therapy. Instead, they help maintain a regulated, safe, home-like environment; support peer specialists in their work; and ensure that guests feel welcomed, respected, and grounded in the flow of community life.

Because this role includes on-site residence, it offers consistent relational stability for guests—especially those who rely on predictable routines and attuned, trauma-informed presence.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Household + Facility Oversight

• Maintain the overall functioning, cleanliness, and comfort of the home.
• Monitor household systems (utilities, safety equipment, supplies) and coordinate with the Property Manager for repairs or issues.
• Ensure communal spaces remain orderly, accessible, and sensory-considerate.
• Oversee safety protocols, guest guidelines, and household routines.

Staff Coordination & Support

• Receive end-of-second-shift handoff each evening and ensure continuity into the overnight hours.
• Provide support, mentorship, and grounding to peer specialists as needed.
• Communicate key updates to the Program Director and therapist for daytime planning.
• Help maintain a culture of calm, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Guest Support & Community Rhythm

• Offer evening presence for guests needing grounding, orientation, or support transitioning into nighttime routines.
• Assist with conflict de-escalation using non-coercive, trauma-informed practices.
• Participate in community meals, group activities, or informal check-ins when appropriate.
• Model safe, regulated, stable relational presence at all times.

Administrative & Operational Tasks

• Maintain supply lists and coordinate restocking (household goods, toiletries, cleaning products, sensory tools, etc.).
• Ensure daily logs, incident reports (if needed), and communication notes are completed accurately.
• Help organize schedules, household calendars, and staff communication channels.
• Support onboarding and orientation of new Peer Support Specialists.

Emergency & Overnight Coordination

• Not “on call” for medical issues, but available for urgent household needs, safety concerns, or guest distress that requires presence—not clinical intervention.
• Coordinate with program leadership regarding any concerns that may arise overnight.
• Support transitions into morning routines when needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Experience in residential settings, peer support environments, community living, or trauma-informed spaces.
• Strong emotional regulation, boundary clarity, and ability to maintain calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to live on-site in employer-provided housing.
• Must pass background checks required by Michigan licensing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(Not required; barriers intentionally kept low.)

• Experience in peer support, shelter programs, respite centers, or community-based services.
• Familiarity with dissociation, plurality, or trauma recovery work.
• Competence in de-escalation and non-coercive approaches.
• Leadership experience in small teams or community environments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Residential home with shared spaces, variable sensory needs, and a fluctuating flow of guests.
• Evening presence and flexible schedule are essential to the role.
• Moderate physical activity required (light cleaning, organizing, supporting household tasks).
• Role includes private living quarters and shared common spaces.

TRAINING PROVIDED BY SAFE HARBOR

• Trauma-informed peer support framework
• Dissociation and multiplicity training
• Non-coercive crisis support
• Household safety and environmental management
• Documentation and communication systems
• Boundary management + relational skill-building
• Ongoing professional development and supervision

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Steady emotional presence
• Leadership through collaboration, not hierarchy
• Respect for guest autonomy and lived experience
• Strong communication
• Ability to create a sense of home and safety
• Problem-solving, adaptability, and grounded decision-making

Number of openings: 2

Status: Full-Time

Schedule: Flexible daytime/evening hours to support breakfast, lunch, and dinner service

Reports to: House Manager + Program Director

Compensation: $70K annually + benefits

POSITION SUMMARY

Kitchen Staff Members at Safe Harbor Peer Respite Center play a central role in creating a sense of warmth, consistency, and community. Food is a grounding ritual for many guests, especially those navigating dissociation or trauma-related challenges, and this role ensures that every meal is predictable, nourishing, and prepared with care.

This position is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving three daily meals for guests and staff, managing the kitchen environment, and ensuring that snacks and beverages are always available outside of mealtimes. The kitchen team helps create a home-like, respectful atmosphere where dietary needs are honored and mealtimes contribute to emotional stability.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Meal Planning & Preparation

• Plan weekly menus that are simple, nutritious, cost-aware, and aligned with guest needs.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests and on-duty staff, maintaining consistent meal times.
• Offer options that are sensory-aware and trauma-informed (mild flavors, predictable textures, safe food choices).
• Accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sensory, or vegetarian requests.
• Coordinate with local farms and vendors to source fresh eggs, produce, and other ingredients, with all purchasing approved by the House Manager or Program Director.

Kitchen Operations & Cleanliness

• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment at all times.
• Handle all food safely, following ServSafe or equivalent guidelines.
• Wash dishes, sanitize surfaces, and ensure the dining area is reset after every meal.
• Organize and rotate pantry items, fridge contents, and dry goods.

Snacks, Beverages, and Accessibility

• Ensure snacks, hydration options, and simple grab-and-go items are always available.
• Keep tea, coffee, water stations, and simple comfort foods stocked and replenished.
• Coordinate with staff on special requests or soothing foods for overwhelmed guests.

Inventory & Budgeting

• Maintain inventory lists for food, kitchen supplies, and equipment needs.
• Coordinate with the House Manager for restocking, budgeting, and special purchases.
• Minimize waste through thoughtful planning and appropriate portioning.

Collaboration & Household Rhythm

• Work alongside peer support staff to ensure mealtimes support nervous system regulation and predictability.
• Flex to the needs of the home — adjusting meal timing slightly if a group runs long or a guest requires support.
• Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere during meals, without providing peer support unless personally comfortable.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in cooking for groups, food service, hospitality, or meal preparation.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices (ServSafe certification preferred, not required).
• Good communication skills and comfort working in a trauma-informed, non-clinical environment.
• Ability to follow routines while staying flexible to the flow of the household.
• Must pass a background check per Michigan licensing requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

(Not required — designed to be accessible.)

• Experience in residential kitchens, shelters, community centers, or similar settings.
• Familiarity with sensory-sensitive cooking or dietary accommodations.
• Experience meal-planning on a budget.
• Comfort interacting with guests in a calm, friendly, but boundaried way.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Home-like kitchen and dining spaces with shared access by guests and staff.
• Moderate physical activity required (standing for long periods, lifting groceries, washing dishes).
• Work occurs amid varying sensory needs and emotional states of guests.
• Must be comfortable with a collaborative, low-conflict, grounding-focused environment.

TRAINING PROVIDED BY SAFE HARBOR

• Trauma-informed hospitality fundamentals
• Sensory-aware food preparation
• Working alongside dissociative guests with sensitivity and boundaries
• Communication + collaboration with peer support staff
• Safety protocols + emergency procedures
• Ongoing professional development

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Reliability + consistency
• Warm, grounded presence
• Strong organizational skills
• Flexibility while maintaining routine
• Respect for privacy and boundaries
• Ability to contribute to a stable, peaceful household environment