Job Title: Waiver Respite Worker

Pay Rate: $16.00 per hour

Reports to: Supervisor of Home & Community Services

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This may be a part-time or full-time position. Days and hours of work may vary depending on need. Evening and weekend work may be required as determined by program/individual needs.

Summary/Objective: The Respite Worker provides in-home care providing a safe and positive environment which allows the primary caregiver a break or period of respite.

Essential Functions

1. Imparts agency philosophy of “Equal Opportunity, Independence and Realization of Individual Potential” to children, families, program staff and community resources.
2. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policy.
3. Follows policies and procedures as per OPWDD guidelines.
4. Provides in-home respite care (i.e. sitter service) to individuals as outlined by the life plan. Hourly respite is designed to give the primary caregiver a break while providing a safe, fun and positive environment for their loved one. 
5. Provide supports to meet the needs of the individual (i.e., meal prep, personal care).
6. Engage the individual in his/her chosen activities, which could include arts, crafts, outdoor play, games, etc. 
7. Serve as an appropriate role model and engage in interactions which promote and ensure the dignity and rights of all participants, service providers, coworkers and community members. 
8. Acts as a professional representative of Happiness House in regards to appearance, behavior, temperament, communication, language and dress. 
9. Reports any issues or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
10. Follows agency incident procedure.
11. Completes and submits monthly documentation, representative of the service delivered.
12. Participates in conferences, workshops. Department meetings and in-service training as needed or recommended to enhance job skills and personal growth and development.
13. Adheres to agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Education and Experience

1. One year experience and/or education in human services preferable
2. Prior experience working with individuals who have developmental disabilities and autism is preferred.
3. High School Diploma or GED preferred.
4. Ability to work independently and motivate others.
5. Knowledge of community resources and means of accessing these services.
6. Valid NYS driver’s license/dependable vehicle.
7. Demonstrates basic reasoning skills

Competency Requirements

1. Must possess a strong service orientation, including active listening, critical thinking skills, and close monitoring of clients.
2. Attention to detail.
3. Caring approach.
4. Ability to ensure individual’s safety.
5. Excellent communication skills.
6. Positivity.
7. Attentiveness.

Work Environment: This job operates in a home environment.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds.

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day but employee will be expected to work at any of our partner agencies.  Some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.