Respite Worker - Idyllwild

Respite Worker

Location: Idyllwild

About the Role

As a Respite Worker with United Cerebral Palsy, you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. You’ll provide compassionate, temporary care and supervision for clients who live at home with a family member or care provider. Your support allows families to rest, recharge, and maintain stability while knowing their loved one is in safe hands.

What You’ll Do

• Provide responsible, caring support to clients so families can maintain balance and well-being.
• Work a minimum of two hours per respite appointment.
• Follow care instructions provided by the client’s parent(s) or guardian(s).
• Assist with daily living activities such as feeding, dressing, toileting, grooming, and light meal preparation as needed.
• Always maintain safety and supervision for clients and siblings, never leave them unattended.
• Report any suspected abuse or safety concerns to the Respite Program Manager and complete required documentation.
• Keep CPR and First Aid certifications current and on file.
• Submit accurate timecards, mileage, and daily client notes using UCPIE’s online systems.
• Keep personal and emergency information up to date.
• Respond to UCPIE team calls within 24 hours (or immediately for emergencies).
• Participate in ongoing training and development through workshops, modules, and annual in-house sessions.
• Follow all UCPIE policies, safety procedures, and the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.
• Important: Clients and siblings may not be transported under any circumstances.

What You’ll Bring

• A caring, dependable, and patient nature.
• Strong communication and ethical decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging or crisis situations.
• Eagerness to learn and grow through ongoing training.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (personal or professional experience accepted).
• Skills: Good communication (written and verbal), basic computer proficiency.

Additional Qualifications

• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Negative TB test (updated every 3 years).
• Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and registration.
• Ability to pass a background check through FBI and DOJ.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position involves visiting clients in their homes and driving within the community (typically no more than 40 miles unless pre-approved). You should be comfortable sitting, standing, lifting, and assisting clients as needed—including using adaptive equipment. The role also requires the ability to perform CPR and climb stairs when necessary.

UCPIE is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. UCPIE makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For more information, read through our EEO Policy.