The Respite Provider is committed to helping our youth build a strong, stable foundation of support and develop opportunities that enable them to discover and sustain a positive future. The Respite Worker provides short term, direct care for youth in care to provide relief for Foster Parents.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee must provide their own transportation to conduct agency business. This contracted position does not include benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include some or all of the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide scheduled breaks for Foster Parents by providing supervision and support to youth while Foster Parents are out of the home.
• Adhere to youth’s Respite/Behavior plans.
• Assure health, safety, and recreational needs of the youth are observed.
• Respect the home and personal belongings of the Foster Parents.
• Communicate pertinent events/aspects of a youth’s case with all team members on an ongoing basis.
• Participate in Child and Family Team Meetings.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics for Child Welfare Professionals
• Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve services; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Keeps emotions under control.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Respond well to questions;

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe condition;

Attendance/Punctuality -; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or equivalent. Experience as a parent of extensive experience working with young people is strongly preferred.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Outlook, Microsoft desired Word Processing software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Illinois Driver’s License, vehicle insurance and vehicle registration are required and must be valid at all times.

Contractors of Our Children’s Homestead who are authorized to transport clients in the performance of their job duties will be reimbursed $0.55 per mile for all authorized travel at the rate established by OCH

**PLEASE APPLY WITH INDEED** NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Our Children’s Homestead is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Experience:

• Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person