What are the responsibilities and job description for the Private Caregiver – One-on-One Care in a Family Home position at Sparks Family Household?
(CNA / Nursing-Student Friendly)
North Ooltewah, TN | Part-time & Full-time | Paid through TennCare CHOICES Consumer Direction
Think of it as a group home with one resident.
If you're a CNA who has worked in a group home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or a nursing student looking for real hands-on experience, this work will feel familiar, with one big difference. You'll have one client, our 24-year-old daughter, in our family home. No juggling residents or facility task lists. Your full attention goes to one person, and you have the freedom to plan her day.
ABOUT OUR DAUGHTER
She's funny, a little mischievous, and loves games, videos, dress-up, and jewelry. She has epilepsy and Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood, non-verbal, and functions developmentally around a 3 to 5-year-old level. She gets around by crawling or wheelchair, and needs supervision at all times. She has also developed OCD and sundowning-like behaviors, which we're addressing with her care team. During seizures, sensory overload, or communication frustration she can become combative (scratching, hair pulling, biting, throwing objects). The right person stays calm and professional, keeps everyone safe, and understands it's neurological, not personal.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Plan and run her day: activities, outings, meals, and rest; adjust when she's tired or uncooperative
- Administer medications and G-tube feedings; follow her seizure protocols
- Provide personal care: incontinence care, hygiene, and showers
- Handle transfers and mobility using a Hoyer lift, slide board, body positioning, and wheelchair
- Do household tasks tied to her care: her laundry, spaces, and restocking her supplies
- Complete a daily care log and keep us informed of anything notable
You'll work independently. Both parents work hybrid (home/remote), we may not always be available. We need someone who walks in, reads the situation, and gets to work without waiting to be told what to do.
WHO DOES WELL HERE
- CNAs with group home or IDD residential experience
- Nursing students (we work around class schedules when possible)
- People who have handled challenging behaviors calmly and professionally
- People who can commit to at least one year, because consistency matters a great deal to our daughter
REQUIREMENTS
- In-person First Aid/CPR certification before hire (BLS or CNA accepted in place of First Aid)
- Physically able to lift, transfer, and safely manage behavioral episodes (equipment provided)
- Valid driver's license and insurance (we provide a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for outings)
- Pass a background check through Consumer Direct
- No smoking/vaping or strong fragrances (asthma)
- Follow nut allergy protocols
- Comfortable around our two friendly, high-energy dogs (Vizslas; look them up, they are awesome)
We train you on everything specific to her, including meds, G-tube protocol, seizure response, and de-escalation, during a paid evaluation period before you work on your own.
SCHEDULE
No single worker can work more than 40 hours in a week for contractual reasons. The hours we need caregiving is as follow:
- Monday – Saturday, 9am – 8pm
- Sunday, 12pm – 8pm
Full-time, part-time, respite, and PRN shifts are available to ensure the entire schedule is filled.
PAY
Hourly, paid through Consumer Direct (TennCare CHOICES). Payroll and taxes are handled for you; no LLC needed. We'll discuss the rate during the phone screen.
INTERVIEW CODE
Please read this full description before applying. We’ll ask you for this code during your phone interview to ensure you’ve read the job description. Please have it ready: Purple Puppies
HOW TO APPLY
Apply on Indeed, or email jamieangelasparks3@gmail.com with the subject line "Caregiver Application – [Your Name]" and include:
- Your resume or caregiving / medical experience (where, how long, what kind of clients)
- A brief description of yourself and your current situation.
Our process:
- Week 1: Phone screen
- Week 1 or 2: In-person interview where you'll meet our daughter
- Week 2-4: Background check. We don’t have control over this period
- Week 4-5: Paid training and evaluation once background check returns
Questions before applying? Call 850-240-6388. We're happy to talk.
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds who share our commitment to exceptional care.
Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $19