Respite Worker - 5+ Hours Per Week

RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a Respite Worker you will engage participants with intellectual/developmental disabilities in fun activities that may serve various purposes, such as social connection, recreation, a break for caregivers, and community building for families. This is a great opportunity to use your creative energy to provide participants with a fun and positive experience! Respite workers will:

• Help create a warm, welcoming, and fun environment for participants
• Reliably attend scheduled group respite sessions and communicate with supervisor in a timely manner about your availability
• Contribute and encourage the sharing of staff talents when appropriate to facilitate activities for group participants (ie: music, art, sports, technology, etc…)
• Support participants who may need assistance with personal care, mobility, or other specific needs
• Provide therapeutic and supportive responses to interests, accomplishments, needs, and challenging behaviors.
• Be matched with a group participant who you will support to engage in various activities during the group session
• Help facilitate interactions between participants to promote social connection

REQUIREMENTS:

• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Direct Support Professional/DSP credential is helpful but not required
• Must be 18 years of age, or older, and possess a high school diploma or certified GED
• Experience/knowledge of supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or desire and willingness to learn
• Ability to work at least two Sundays a month; additional hours and days may be available as well

• Ability to closely monitor, ensure safety, and support child, adolescent, or adult in care.

• These activities are performed both outdoors and indoors throughout the year.

• As this position requires visits to locations which may or may not be accessible by public transportation, must be able to reliably get to the work location and other sites as necessary.

JCFS Chicago is committed to serving the needs of the diverse Chicago Metropolitan area. JCFS is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to building a diverse workforce and positive working environment. Accredited by COA. Charter member of CWLA. Licensed by DCFS. A partner in serving our community, supported by the JUF/JFMC. (eoe/m/f/disabled)