RESPITE WORKER SD COUNTY FAMILY SPECIFIC

Job Description

Job Description

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!

What You'll Be Doing: Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

Client Safety & Supervision

• Maintains client safety by providing routine supervision and identifying and responding to emergency situations as they occur.

Daily Living & Personal Care Support

• Supports clients with activities of daily living, including bathing and grooming, restroom use and continence management, dressing and undressing, meal preparation and feeding, and ambulation (including lifting and transferring).

Communication & Engagement

• Engages individuals in communication using a variety of methods, including verbal communication, sign language, gestures, pictures/visual supports, and communication devices.
• Supports individuals to engage in meaningful activities both at home and in the community.

Behavioral Support

• Manages challenging behaviors in accordance with guidance and instructions provided by the primary caregiver.

Appointments & Community Integration

• Supports individuals in attending and participating in routine appointments, such as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy.

Travel & Service Delivery

• Travels throughout the assigned county (San Diego or Imperial) to provide services in family homes and other community-based settings.

What You'll Bring to the Role: Knowledge, Skills, and Education

Experience & Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum of six (6) months of experience providing care in a personal, volunteer, or paid capacity, including family caregiving.
  (Family-specific requests for applicants with less than six months of 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 the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Technology & Administrative Skills

• Must have access to a functional smartphone or internet-enabled device (e.g., Chromebook, iPad) capable of entering timesheet data.
• Proficient in using computers and accessing the internet.

Transportation & Licensing Requirements

• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License with a safe driving record and have been licensed to drive for at least two (2) years.
  (Requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis if the individual has alternative means of transportation.)
• Must have access to a safe and reliable vehicle for transporting clients.
  (May be waived on a case-by-case basis if alternative transportation is available.)
• Must maintain current and adequate auto insurance.
  (May be waived on a case-by-case basis if alternative transportation is available.)

Certifications & Compliance

• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification if not currently certified (training is provided for new hires).

Communication & Language Skills

• Must be able to proficiently read, write, understand, and speak English.

Professional Competencies & Work Ethic

• Ability to build positive, supportive, respectful, and professional working relationships.
• Ability to meet the individualized needs of clients.
• Self-starter who completes assignments independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and strong decision-making skills.
• Highly reliable and follows through on commitments.
• Effectively organizes time and prioritizes work responsibilities.

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.

Our Culture and 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.

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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