Respite Worker

Job Summary

Join us in making a difference at Home of Guiding Hands as we improve the quality of life for people with special needs. As a Respite Worker you’ll provide care, supervision, and companionship to people with developmental disabilities. A typical week might include supporting clients to: play at the park, do homework, make crafts, attend a physical therapy session, explore the zoo, learn life skills such as cooking and laundry, and just have fun! Gain great experience towards a career in social services!

Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Maintains client safety by providing routine supervision and identifying/responding to emergency situations as they occur.
• Supports individuals to engage in meaningful activities at home and in the community.
• Engages individuals in communication through various methods (verbal, sign, gestures, pictures/visuals, communication device, etc.).
• Supports clients to complete activities of daily living such as: bathing and grooming, restroom use and continence management, dressing and undressing, meal preparation and feeding, ambulating (lifting and transferring), and administering medications.
• Manages challenging behaviors as instructed by primary caregiver.
• Supports individuals to participate in routine appointments (such as PT, OT, speech therapy, etc.).
• Travels throughout assigned county (San Diego or Imperial) to complete sessions in family homes and other community locations.

Values

• Innovation - We encourage creativity and innovation because we believe that by striving for more efficient and effective ways of doing things, we can achieve exceptional results. Our drive for success is shared by all. Our organization focuses on solutions and refuses to maintain the status quo. We challenge our team to be ahead of industry trends as we strive to lead and not follow.
• Collaboration - We believe that working together collaboratively is the foundation of a culture that values teamwork, communication, and cooperation. This belief is central to every part of our business, both internally and externally, and strengthens our community.
• Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and for delivering on our commitments. We believe that by being transparent and accountable, we build trust and maintain the respect of our stakeholders.
• Respect - We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We value inclusivity and believe that by upholding a culture of respect, we can foster a positive and supportive work environment. We treat others as we would want to be treated.
• Empathy - We value empathy and understanding in all our interactions. We seek to understand the perspectives and needs of our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to meet them with kindness and compassion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Education

• Six months’ experience providing care for someone in personal, volunteer, or paid role, including family care. (Family-specific request of applicant with less than 6 months experience may be approved on a case-by-case basis.)
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• Must receive criminal record clearance from DOJ.
• Must have use of a functional smartphone or internet-enabled device (Chromebook, iPad, etc.) that can be used to enter timesheet data.
• Must possess a Valid California Driver’s license, safe driving record, and have been licensed to drive at least 2 years. (Requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis if individual has other means of transportation.)
• Must have a safe and reliable vehicle to transport clients. (Requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis if individual has other means of transportation.)
• Must maintain current and adequate auto insurance. (Requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis if individual has other means of transportation.)
• Must obtain CPR/FA certification if not currently certified (we offer training for new hires).
• Must be able to proficiently read, write, understand, and speak English.
• Proficient with using computers and accessing the internet.
• Ability to form positive, supportive, respectful, and professional working relationships.
• Ability to meet the needs of clients in an individualized manner.
• Self-starter who completes assignments independently without constant supervision.
• Possesses good judgement and decision-making skills.
• Highly reliable and follows through on commitments.
• Organizes own time effectively and prioritizes work schedule.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

The work environment for this position involves working with a variety of people in their home and in the community. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk, hear, walk, bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach, and lift objects weighing up to ten pounds repeatedly during a shift.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Home of Guiding Hands is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

About HGH

Home of Guiding Hands is a non-profit organization that was established in 1967 by a small group of dedicated and ambitious community members. The Mission of HGH is "to improve the lives of those we serve". We support children and adults in San Diego and Imperial Counties with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. We provide a full continuum of care including residential care in specialized group homes, independent living support, respite care, and adult foster home services. Additionally, we provide early childhood assessments and services, tailored day support, Life Planning workshops, county-wide transportation services, and on-site activities at our resource center.

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