Position Summary
SJs Friends is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and motivated Respite & Support Services Worker to provide individualized support to children and youth with disabilities, including children on the autism spectrum.
The employee will assist participants with daily activities, community involvement, social development, personal care as appropriate, and other support needs identified in the participant's service plan. The ideal candidate is patient, responsible, energetic, and comfortable working with children who may have behavioral, developmental, communication, or sensory needs.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide safe, compassionate, and individualized respite services to children and youth.
- Follow each participant's approved service plan and individualized needs.
- Support children with social, communication, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Provide supervision and maintain a safe environment at all times.
- Participate in recreational, educational, and community-based activities.
- Encourage independence and development of appropriate life skills.
- Assist with transitions between activities and environments.
- Use positive reinforcement and appropriate behavior-support strategies.
- Communicate professionally with parents, guardians, supervisors, and other service providers.
- Complete required daily documentation, attendance records, service notes, and incident reports.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding participants and their families.
- Follow all SJs Friends policies and procedures.
- Follow applicable CLTS and program requirements.
- Assist with transportation-related duties when assigned and authorized.
- Maintain a professional, respectful, and inclusive environment.
- Report safety concerns, changes in participant needs, or incidents to management promptly.
- Attend required staff meetings and training.
- Perform other duties related to participant support as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Experience working with children, individuals with disabilities, or individuals with autism preferred.
- Must demonstrate patience, reliability, and professionalism.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, and coworkers.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Must successfully complete required background checks and employment screening.
- Must complete required SJs Friends training.
Preferred:
- Experience providing respite, caregiving, direct support, childcare, special education, behavioral support, or community-based services.
- CPR/First Aid certification.
- Experience working with children with autism or other developmental disabilities.
- Experience with daily living skills instruction.
Physical Requirements
The employee may be required to:
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit for extended periods.
- Participate in recreational and physical activities with participants.
- Assist participants with activities of daily living when applicable to the assigned position.
- Safely respond to behavioral or safety situations within the scope of training.
- Lift or assist with lifting as required by the participant's needs and within safe lifting guidelines.
Professional Expectations
Employees of SJs Friends are expected to:
- Treat every participant and family with dignity and respect.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Protect participant confidentiality.
- Arrive on time and remain dependable.
- Communicate absences or scheduling concerns promptly.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
- Follow all safety procedures.
- Represent SJs Friends professionally in the community.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect for each family's individual needs.
- Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
