A Respite Care Specialist approaches their work from a non-judgmental harm reduction lens, centering dignity and the belief that people who use drugs, engage in sex work, and/or are experiencing homelessness deserve compassionate, person-centered support. Offering access to rest, hygiene, clothing, and renewal services to participants facing exhaustion, distress, and various physiological vulnerabilities. The Respite Care Specialist must be able to work in fast-paced, high-volume settings and is responsible for creating a welcoming and safe environment for participants. The respite care specialist will be responsible for participant intake, safety monitoring, hygiene protocols, documentation, de-escalation, and crisis response.
Responsibilities:
Participant Engagement & Intake
- Welcome participants with warmth, respect, and genuine concern for their well-being
- Conduct low-threshold, trauma-informed intake for Respite & Renewal Services upon arrival or referral
- Collect essential safety-related information, including level of consciousness, observable condition, and voluntarily disclosed substance use, medical, or mental health concerns
- Make sure all participants are logged into Respite & Renewal Services in electronic data system
- Ensure participants understand the necessary procedures, such as hygiene rules, monitoring guidelines, and safety protocols.
Respite & Renewal Support
- Actively help participants choose a bed and prepare a comfortable place to rest or sleep, including storing belongings having enough blankets, pillows, and other supplies.
- Actively observe resting and sleeping participants by monitoring respiration, chest movements, and skin color changes, in line with overdose prevention policies.
- Gently wake participants when there are concerns regarding respiration or responsiveness to assess safety
- Intervene in overdoses and other medical or behavioral health emergencies following agency protocols
- Facilitate mandatory post-intake showers prior to accessing a bed
- Clean the shower after every use and maintain a clean, sterile, and organized clothing supply/laundry area
- Maintain a clean and sanitary respite area, wiping down beds after every use, and properly using equipment such as air filters and aromatherapy machines
- Provide new or clean donated clothing, and clearly explain clothing and laundering procedures to participants
- Launder participant clothing using on-site equipment
- Follow all clothing intake, sanitation, PPE, allergen control, and laundry procedures
- Maintain calm and orderly participant flow in respite spaces, enforcing capacity limits and safety guidelines
- De-escalate conflicts using trauma-informed harm reduction approaches
- Maintain meticulous, timely, and accurate documentation of respite use, monitoring, incidents, and clothing/laundry activity, including completing the daily logs and ensuring all data is uploaded to designated servers
- Participate in daily briefings, staff meetings, and required trainings
- Work collaboratively with other OnPoint programs (e.g., drop-in-center, supportive services, medical) to ensure continuity of care and consistency of services
- Perform other related tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Experience working in harm reduction, respite care, shelter services, outreach, healthcare adjacent, or community-based settings required
- Experience working with individuals who use drugs, are experiencing homelessness, have mental health conditions, or belong to other marginalized populations is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm, grounded, and professional in high-stress or crisis situations
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills
- Commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction philosophy, and participant dignity
- Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate support
- Willingness to follow detailed safety, hygiene, overdose prevention, and sanitation protocols
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Ability to work effectively with diverse communities, including different genders, ethnicities, generations, languages, and political backgrounds
- Enthusiasm for working with individuals who are current substance users.
This is a bargaining unit position represented by New England Joint Board, Unite Here.
HOW TO APPLY
Go to www.onpointnyc.org and submit a cover letter and resume outlining your experience and/or interest in harm reduction,
Pay: $20.75 - $21.98 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
