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Job Description
MadFreedom Advocates is a grassroots, non-profit organization run by and for psychiatric survivors, mad folks, and others marginalized by the mental health system. We're working towards equal rights, better services, and ending discrimination. MadFreedom Advocates works across Vermont to support leadership, education, and advocacy for people with lived experience of trauma, institutionalization, neurodivergence, extreme states, or other marginalization by sanism. Patient Representatives amplify the voices of people held "under the custody of the Commissioner," meaning involuntarily, in Vermont's inpatient and residential psychiatric programs.
You will:
visit Rutland Regional Medical Center Psychiatric Unit at a set time every week (and as requested) inform patients of their legal rights and the grievance/appeals process foster two-way communication with treatment teams support linkage to community resources model Intentional Peer Support (IPS) values of mutuality and shared learning document contacts and outcomes in a confidential log collaborate with co-workers to advance leadership, education, and advocacy initiatives for individuals with lived experience of trauma, institutionalization, neurodivergence, extreme states, or other forms of sanist marginalization. Core Responsibilities Advocacy and Rights Explain patient rights, advance directives, and options for legal action in plain language Support individuals in writing grievances and/or appeals Collaborate with facility staff while remaining an independent survivor voice Relationship and Communication Stay grounded and effective in high-stress situations, manage your own emotional responses, and balance personal reactions with the responsibilities of the role Attend treatment team meetings, hearings, and discharge conferences when invited by individuals in the custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health Offer resources, when asked by individuals under the custody of the Commissioner of Mental Health Outreach and relationship building with local organizations and community hubs in your assigned region Documentation and Accountability Keep accurate contact logs; collect data for quarterly reports Uphold confidentiality Participate in weekly meetings with other patient representatives, bi-weekly supervision, and monthly IPS co-reflection Collaboration and Mission Advancement Collaborate with co-workers to advance leadership, education, and advocacy initiatives for individuals with lived experience of trauma, institutionalization, neurodivergence, extreme states, or other forms of sanist marginalization. Help shape a survivor-led organizational culture and strengthen the systems that support our work. Help maintain the current MadFreedom Advocates resource directory. Training Provided (paid) Intentional Peer Support (Core + Co-reflection) Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Support Providers Writing effective grievances and appeals Vermont mental health system, patient rights, and advance directives Comprehensive advocacy skills training that equips representatives to effectively support individuals in the custody of the Commissioner Ongoing practice development and mileage reimbursement are included. Required Qualifications Personal lived experience of mental health challenges, system involvement or marginalization by sanism, and readiness to draw upon that experience in support of others Ability to stay grounded in high-stress situations, respond thoughtfully, and use deescalation skills to support safety and connection. Respectful communication, active listening, and clear writing skills Reliable transportation Basic computer/phone proficiency for email, video calls, and electronic logs Demonstrated commitment to MadFreedom Advocates' mission to end discrimination and coercion—shown through past advocacy, volunteer service, lived experience, or related work. Preferred Experience with peer support, advocacy, or human rights work Familiarity with Vermont's psychiatric system or legal processes Hands-on experience working with people who are pushed to the margins—such as psychiatric survivors, trauma survivors, neurodivergent individuals, or those facing racism, poverty, or disability—and a track record of building trust and amplifying their voices
Compensation & Benefits Pay :
$22.50/hour to start; up to 20 hours a week; $25/hr after three months
Benefits Include :
14 paid holidays plus four, paid floating holidays, paid vacation and sick leave; access to the Vermont Saves retirement program; mileage reimbursement; and extensive paid training opportunities. Employees hired to work 20 hours per week or more are eligible for health and dental insurance. Work Environment and Wellness Inpatient psychiatric hospitals and therapeutic residences can be emotionally charged. MadFreedom Advocates supports your well-being through: predictable schedules and coverage plans access to co-reflection groups clear safety protocols and incident-debrief processes an organizational culture that prizes mutual support and boundaries Application Process Please send a résumé (or equivalent life experience summary) and a short letter (500 words max) describing why advocacy matters to you to jobs@madfreedomadvocates.org with the subject line "Patient Representative - [Your Name]." Applications are due by June 26 , and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. People with lived experience of psychiatric diagnosis and survivors of involuntary treatment are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.
Pay:
$22.50 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Professional development assistance
