Respite Associate

Are you a self-motivated and reliable person who can work with children and adults with disabilities while helping them develop their skills and grow? Then we need you! Our respite program needs your talent to work in a caring and supportive environment to allow our clients to increase skills in various areas, meet their goals, and reach their full potential, both now and in the future.

The Respite Associate provides occasional care for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The primary responsibilities of the Respite Associate are supervising activities, providing companionship and coordinating care with caregivers in the client’s residence and in the community.

Role will primarily require working evening and weekend shifts to accommodate our client families’ needs outside of school hours and typical weekday work schedules, with some daytime hours based on client and program need. Our skilled staff will provide you with the training you need to feel comfortable and confident providing respite services.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide quality care for people with disabilities by actively engaging the clients with recreational activities in the home or community setting, such as: arts & crafts, games, music, computer, socialization, reading, and other activities based on client choice.
• Provide support to clients with basic living skills which includes toileting, hygiene care, food prep, feeding assistance, dressing, chores, and other activities that are fundamental to daily living.
• Adhere to the rules of the respite program, following agency policies and procedures.
• Follow family's home rules, respecting cultural and other home practices.
• Observe and apply safety protocols as needed to ensure safety for both clients and staff.
• Complete and submit timely and accurate billing-related data.
• Maintain confidentiality of client data in adherence with HIPAA requirements.
• Provide occasional coverage for our Kaleidoscope Adult Community program on weekdays during regular business hours, which focuses on daily living and community interaction skills in a clinic or community setting.

Qualifications Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent to:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Prior experience in a care-taking role for persons with disabilities preferred.
• Willing to work evening and weekend shifts, with some daytime hours based on client and program need.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Effective communication skills and an ability to interact respectfully and sensitively with clients, client’s family and ESNorCal staff.
• Committed to ESNorCal values, including resilience and inclusion.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting in order to observe, assess, and interact with clients.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time, stand for up to 6-8 hours a day.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and loading/unloading toys and materials up to and including 25 lbs. to 50 lbs. used in home visits.
• Ability to physically implement behavior management strategies including responding to physically aggressive behavior.
• Visual and auditory ability to work with clients, staff and others in the workplace continuously.
• Ability to utilize computer, cell phone (iPhone).
• Must be able to communicate effectively within the workplace, read and write using the primary language within the workplace.
• Frequent speaking and listening to clients, staff, and other professionals in meetings and on the phone.
• Frequent driving (to and from office and client homes); reliable transportation needed.
• Frequent work inside client homes; occasional work in outdoor settings.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance through the Department of Justice (DOJ). The People & Performance Department must analyze DOJ/FBI live scan reports in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, as well as fitness for the position.
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License with Insurance and maintain a clean driving record.
• Must pass health screenings and clear TB testing based on company policies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance through the Office of Inspector General.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Safety Care certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certificate.
• Must attend required training.

Time Type: Part time

Compensation:

$21 - $22/hr

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas as deemed fit for the organization.

Easterseals Northern California is an equal opportunity employer.