What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESPITE CARE PROVIDER (PRIVATE HOUSEHOLD) position at Tri county Respite Options?
Respite Care Provider (Weekends)
We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced female Respite Care Provider to support a child in a private home setting. The ideal caregiver is calm, patient, emotionally regulated, and genuinely enjoys working with children. This role focuses on providing consistent, structured respite care while supporting routines, engagement, and a safe, positive environment.
The child may experience periods of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Applicants must have at least one year of continuous, hands-on experience working directly with children who have special needs, completed within the last three years, and must be confident using calm, supportive de-escalation strategies, maintaining a regulated presence, and responding to behavior as communication rather than punishment.
This is not general childcare. This position requires someone who can step into the role prepared and confident.
Responsibilities
- Provide safe, structured respite care in a private household
- Follow the child's established routines and support daily transitions (as directed by the family)
- Engage the child in developmentally appropriate and interest-based activities such as play-based learning, structured games, social skills practice, and communication support
- Use calm, patient strategies to support emotional regulation and behavior
- Implement structured supports when appropriate, including visual schedules, first/then language, structured choices, and positive reinforcement
- Support attention, task completion, and routine participation
- Maintain a positive, respectful, and encouraging environment at all times
- Communicate professionally with the family regarding schedules, routines, and observations
- Ensure ongoing supervision, safety awareness, and consistent expectations during respite hours
- Respect household guidelines, privacy, and confidentiality
Required Experience (Mandatory)
Candidates must have at least one year of continuous, documented, hands-on experience working directly with children who have special needs or behavioral support needs, completed within the last three years. Qualifying experience includes one or more of the following (or closely related) settings:
- Classroom setting (self-contained, inclusion, or resource setting)
- Paraprofessional / paraeducator / instructional assistant role
- Behavioral support or intervention role
- Direct Support Professional (DSP), respite, or in-home support services
- School- or community-based support programs
Applicants must be familiar with structured strategies commonly used in caregiving and behavioral support settings. Applicants without direct experience supporting children with special needs will not be considered.
A Plus (Not Required)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Additional Requirements
- Female applicants only
- Weekend availability only
- At least one year of relevant experience (continuous, within the last three years)
- Calm, patient, dependable, and professional demeanor
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to pass a background check
- Comfortable working in a private home and respecting household guidelines and confidentiality
- Allergy protocol (non-negotiable): Due to a severe allergy in the household, caregivers who have cats or dogs at home must take precautions before each shift — freshly laundered clothing and no pet hair or dander carried into the home. This protocol is non-negotiable and will be reviewed during onboarding.
Hours: Weekends only — Fridays (after school onward), plus full-day Saturdays and Sundays. Open weekend availability is required. This role also includes overnight coverage on select weekends (for example, to support family travel), so overnight availability is required, though overnights will not occur every weekend.
Location: Waldorf, MD
Pay: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $20