Respite Care Provider - Full-time / Part-time

Serenity Respite Services seeks energetic, responsible people to provide a valuable service to families of people with special needs. As a respite care provider you will take over the parenting or care-taking responsibilities of the parent or primary care giver of children with special needs. A respite worker performs respite services in the home of the client or at other locations as needed by the client. While on assignment, respite care providers may be asked to help clients to work toward goals as listed on their program plan or behavior plan. In addition, to performing respite services, respite care givers attend an initial training, behavior management training. Additionally, respite workers will work closely with the program supervisor to ensure that the clients' needs are properly met.

POSITION PURPOSE: Respite care provides family caregivers, parents, or other family member, of children with developmental disabilities with a mental health break from their duties.  These breaks help families manage the stresses of caring for young people with special needs and help them live more healthy lives.  Respite Caregivers operate under general supervision and serve as an attendants to children by providing short-term or temporary care and supervision of children or young adults who have developmental disabilities, including but not limited to autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Performs work in family residences or, as approved, in community settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

·        Ensures the personal safety of individuals by providing appropriate, nurturing personal care.

·        Assists assigned individuals with basic tasks necessary for living in a family home setting. Tasks include feeding, participating in recreation activities, maintaining appropriate clothing, assisting individuals to bed at night, and other activities which are outlined in the client’s Individual Personal Plan.

·        Provides encouragement and praise to support positive behavior.

·        Prepares meals and snacks, cleans up dishes and utensils, may feed individuals.

·        Maintains clear understanding of rules of the home as well as program rules.

·        Follows agency policies of prohibiting administration of medication.

·        As approved by agency protocols and policies, may escort consumer to participate in community activities.

·        Maintains confidentiality regarding consumer, his/her family, family activities, and any records pertaining to client which may become known to the respite provider.

·        Maintains alertness to signs of suspected child abuse; follows mandated child abuse reporting laws.

·        Works a schedule which may incorporate providing services to multiple families, including during the evening, on weekends, or in the early morning.

·        Communicates professionally with clients, guardians, parents, and others encountered in the course of work.

·        Prepares and submits required paperwork to supervisor in a timely manner.

·        Accurately maintains written records or notes.

·        Effectively and promptly communicates with supervisor in the event that situations arise for which the employee is unprepared or unsure how to proceed.

·        Immediately consults with supervisor in the event of an unusual occurrence; prepares or supports preparation of Special Incident Reports within 24 hours of occurrence of such an event.

·        Maintains current certification in CPR, First Aid, and any other training as required by Changing Tides Family Services.

·        Complies with Serenity Respite Services Personnel Policies, procedures, and guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

·        Autism and other developmental disabilities.

·        Appropriate responses when an individual is exhibiting behavior which may pose a danger to his/herself or others.

·        Personal self-care and domestic skills.

·        How to effectively care for individuals in their homes.

Other Requirements:

·        Must be 18 years of age.

·        Must be able to pass a criminal history review, including submitting fingerprints.

·        Obtain/maintain first aid certification and CPR certification (online certification not acceptable).

·        Ability to work schedules convenient for clients which supports the individual and his/her family. Hours frequently are during weekends and/or evenings, and will reflect a schedule to meet the family’s needs.

·        Personal mobility and physical abilities to work safely with individuals whose behavior may be dangerous to themselves and others.

·        Ability to work in a variety of settings including private residences and community venues.

·        Valid California’s driver’s license, access to vehicle for work, and insurance.