Per Diem Respite Provider

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary function of Per Diem Respite Providers is to give support and assistance to family members or guardians who are caring for children with disabilities who have qualified for respite services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Respite Providers give appropriate care to children and support families by providing a planned break. Respite Providers may deliver this care in the family’s home, their own home, or other community settings as defined by a respite action plan.

Primary Tasks:

1) Provide individual support to children based on an action plan.

2) Assist children with positive behavior and wellbeing while in their care.

3) Exercise good judgment.

4) Dependable attendance for planned respite sessions.

5) Comply with all program policies and procedures as outlined in the respite manual.

6) Ability to work under the conditions, physical demands, and environments the job requires.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations under applicable law may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform these essential functions.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

· Education: High school diploma or GED.

· Experience: Experience with children with disabilities is strongly preferred. Understanding the complex needs of families with children who have disabilities, familiarity with mental health, child welfare, and service delivery systems is helpful.

· Computer Skills: Must be able to navigate a computer, e-mail, video conferencing technology, and online services such as websites and digital timekeeping applications.

· Certificates & Licenses: Must be able to be certified as a respite provider based on the results of Respite for ME training, passing all background checks, and current CPR/First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Mandated Reporter certifications. Continuing education is required to maintain certification. Provider must have and maintain a current, valid driver’s license and auto insurance if they are transporting children. Training in Safety-Care is preferred.

· Good communication skills, the ability to manage difficult behaviors, able to work independently, and care for children with various abilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

· This position operates in home or community environments.

· This position requires non-routine hours.

· Excellent communication skills are a must.

· Access to phone or computer is required for supervision.

· Prolonged sitting, walking, standing, occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the NAMI Maine reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the NAMI Maine may deem appropriate.