Respite and Adult Companion

Position Overview

Respite Providers are responsible for working with individuals with special needs to provide relief for their families. Schedules are arranged with the family receiving the services. Charles River Center Family Support Staff should be informed of any changes in scheduling

Primary Duties

• Meet with the family or provider to discuss the individual's specific care needs.
• Provide care according to the family or provider’s requests.
• Support community integration by participating in activities with the individual as requested.
• Ensure adequate supervision at all times while working with the individual at home or in the community.
• Report any issues (problems, conflicts, mishaps) to the Family Support Coordinator or Vice President of Family Support.
• Follow the family’s instructions regarding special diet, medical concerns, and other individual-specific needs.
• Attend team meetings as needed.
• Complete a unique progress note each time a timesheet is submitted.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Responsibilities

• Interpersonal Skills
  • Interacts with others in an effective, appropriate, positive, and professional manner. Develops relationships inside and outside the agency to enhance communication.
• Dependability
  • Follows through on job responsibilities with thoroughness and accuracy. Reliable and consistent.
• Communication
  • Clearly and effectively presents information verbally and in writing. Demonstrates clear and concise communication in individual or group settings. Listens and assimilates information effectively.
• Planning & Organization
  • Plans and manages work to meet deadlines.
  • Implements appropriate use of resources.
  • Adapts to changing conditions.
  • Prioritizes work demands and manages multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Responsibility
  • Adheres to company policies and procedures.
  • Follows company guidelines in conducting business relationships.
• Attendance
  • Adheres to program schedules and routines.
  • Arrives promptly to assigned locations.
  • Attends all required meetings and trainings.
• Initiative
  • Demonstrates problem-solving skills and self-reliance in thinking, planning, and carrying out job responsibilities.
• Management
  • Supports and enforces agency policies and objectives.
  • Leads by example through personal conduct and performance.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion and maintenance of the following trainings:
  • CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Human Rights
  • Universal Precautions
  • Mandated Reporting
  • DPPC (Disabled Persons Protection Commission)
  • Fire Safety and Vehicle Safety
• Must authorize a Criminal History Background Check (CORI) and release information regarding allegations from DPPC, DDS (Department of Disability Services), and other agencies.
• Must be able to perform essential job duties satisfactorily (reasonable accommodations may be provided).
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and reliable personal transportation required.

Language Skills

• Must be fluent in English.
• Ability to read and interpret documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals in their primary mode of communication, employees, families, and community members.
• Ability to present information effectively in individual and small group settings.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent what is required to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Significant endurance required to sustain physical demands.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Frequently required to use hands/fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs from floor to waist and 10-15 lbs from waist to overhead.
• Ability to maneuver up to 100 lbs with assistance as needed.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.