PassageWay Instructor (Therapeutic Lifestyle Guide)

About Us

Northwest Passage focuses on mental health and wellness through the adoption of our PassageWay Elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit. These elements combine traditional mental health treatment with arts, education, nature-based therapy, and experiential opportunities. Since 1978, we've provided high-quality care in a community dedicated to hope, recovery, and wellness. Our facilities in Northwest Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment for clients and staff, with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire. We serve individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Northwest Passage builds its team with candidates dedicated to exceptional care and support, demonstrating resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. We foster hope through our involvement in the healing process, guided by the PassageWay Elements.

Position Description

The PassageWay Instructor is responsible for providing instruction on therapeutic lifestyle components to youth as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team. This includes leading fitness programs, mentoring Youth Development Specialists, and ensuring a structured, safe living environment.

• Work with residents across a broad range (K-12) to improve their overall physical and emotional health through the development of eight therapeutic lifestyle components consistent with the PassageWay.
• Lead fitness programs that include traditional approaches to fitness, as well as yoga, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.
• Provide mentoring and support to Youth Development Specialists in developing and implementing PassageWay programming.
• Create and maintain a structured and safe living environment for youth as they participate in assessment/treatment.
• Provide a nurturing environment with close, intensive supervision for youth in accordance with least restrictive treatment measures.
• Assure residents’ basic needs are met including meals, exercise, hygiene, and sleep.
• Assure residents’ emotional needs are met in accordance with the individual treatment or assessment plan.
• Recognize and adjust communication to meet residents’ needs.
• Provide feedback that is clear, specific, timely, and respectful.
• Work with residents to provide solutions for problematic behaviors.
• Document program activities, residents’ behaviors and program participation, and significant incidents involving residents.
• Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Understand and follow agency policies.
• Maintain an understanding of mental health concepts, psychotropic medications, and client symptomology.
• Advocate for appropriate goals, wants, and needs of residents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in outdoor and/or experiential education, human services field, or physical education/health education preferred.
• Confidence and comfort in outdoor educational and leadership settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with colleagues and clients.
• A commitment to professional skill development and growth.
• Prior experience working with youth in a residential or mental health setting.

Values

Ideal candidates demonstrate an understanding and ongoing dedication to Northwest Passage's values: Quality & Adaptability, Respect & Compassion, Leadership & Courage, Connection & Well-being.

Benefits

• $24.00-$28.00/hour wage
• Health Insurance (no deductible)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings with Discretionary Employer Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Health Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health benefit)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs)
• Longevity Benefit
• Relocation Assistance
• Off-Site Housing ($500/month rent), dependent on availability
• Tuition Assistance/Loan Reimbursement (available through an application and approval process)
• Unmatched real-world experience in the fields of mental health, experiential programming, and nature-based programming
• Equal Employment Opportunity Employer