Respite Worker

Location: Jamaica, NY
Pay Rate: $16.00
Hours: 6:45AM-8:45 AM Mondays-Fridays (10hrs per Week)

**JOB DESCRIPTION**:
Respite is utilized by placing staff that provide supervision to ensure the safety of the individual while allowing the primary caregiver time away from the day-to-day care of their loved one.

Respite Workers perform a wide variety of person centered supports and services with a strong emphasis on personal choice to individuals with developmental disabilities

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
The duties and responsibilities of the Respite Worker include, but are not limited to the following:

- Provide services to persons served in their home and community.
- Perform lifting and other one-to-one functions for the individuals we serve.
- Perform direct care work that involves skill building services.
- Monitor the safety and welfare of people served, take corrective actions as necessary and immediately notify supervisor of concerns.
- Assist and support people served to build positive relationships in their community.
- Provide needed support and encouragement for people served to advocate for their needs and rights.
- Communicate health care concerns to supervisor or administrator as necessary.
- Communicate professionally with persons receiving services, families, team members and the community.
- Encourage community integration with an emphasis on inclusion, access, community awareness and safety.
- Attend staff meetings and participate in supervision for professional growth and development.
- Complete all required initial and annual training as well as ongoing training to increase knowledge.
- Conduct fire drills, where applicable, and document results in accordance with supervisor’s instructions.
- Report to work promptly and adhere to the assigned schedule.
- Adhere to and implement the NADSP Code of Ethics, Justice Center Code of Conduct and NYS DSP Core Competencies.
- Adhere to all Agency and Program Policies and Procedures, including HIPAA, Confidentiality and implementing the Corporate Compliance Plan and related policies and procedures.
- Other related duties as assigned.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES**:

- Ability to instruct others on vocational or daily living skills.
- Actively listen and be able to communicate, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Good interpersonal skills and commitment to assisting individuals with disabilities.
- Maintain composure under pressure.
- Ability to speak, read and write in English.
- Serve as a role model and represent the agency positively in the community.
- Ability to self-initiate projects and function autonomously as a leader when needed.

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**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions._
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong interpersonal, listening, communication and motivational skills.
- Good analytical ability with problem-solving and follow up.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficiency in the use of a personal computer and appropriate software and E-Mail system.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate an agency vehicle if needed.

**EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE**
- High School Diploma or GED

**PHYSICAL DEMANDS**:

- Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the job including but not limited to the ability to stoop, lift, kneel, push, pull, reach, stand, walk, hear, listen and communicate appropriately.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT**
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions._
- Program and community-based environments.

AAE/EOE/M/F/D/V