Job Summary:

The Respite Caregiver provides short-term relief and support for individuals with disabilities who are part of Live Empowered’s Host Home program. Caregivers ensure clients’ health, safety, and dignity while engaging them in meaningful activities at home and in the community. This role allows primary caregivers to rest and recharge, while clients continue to receive attentive and respectful care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
 - Provide consistent care and supervision to clients in their home and out in community settings.
 - Support clients with personal care, hygiene, and medical needs while maintaining dignity & respect.
 - Engage clients in preferred individual or group activities that promote socialization, independence, & well-being.
 - Safely transport clients to and from community outings, events, or appointments.
 - Monitor client safety, well-being, and behavior; reporting concerns promptly to supervisors.
 - Maintain confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies and state regulations.
 - Communicate effectively with clients, caregivers, and team members.
 - Demonstrate patience, empathy, and professionalism in all interactions.
 - Consistently attend team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
 - Collaborate with primary caregiver(s) on changes to general plan and notify others appropriately.

Additional [non-essential] Duties & Responsibilities:
 - Assist with light housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation related to client care.
 - Provide input or feedback to improve client engagement activities and program quality.
 - Participate in additional opportunities if available, as-needed.

Skills and Abilities:
 - Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients & families.
 - Strong communication and active listening skills.
 - Patience, empathy, and compassion in supporting individuals with disabilities.
 - Reliability, professionalism, and sound judgement in managing responsibilities.
 - Ability to follow safety protocols, including safe lifting, infection control, and defensive driving.

Education & Experience:
 - Age, must be 21 or over
 - Clean driving record
 - Valid Driver's license
 - Able to pass a criminal background check
 - Able to complete First aid & CPR Certification
 - Preferred: High school diploma or equivalent
 - Preferred: Healthcare and/or Caregiver experience

Physical Requirements
 - Ability to lift 50 pounds while following safe lifting techniques
 - Active participation in outings, which may include walking, standing, and assisting with mobility of others
 - Able to work both in homes and in community environments
 - Able to respond quickly in emergency situations 

Hours
 - Hours for afternoon/evening respite generally last between two, and three and a half hours each day.
 - The hours can begin as early as 3pm (most do), but may not start till, 4, 5:30, 6 or as late as 7pm. That means some shifts end as late as 10pm.
 - Not all shifts are provided every day, because we are providing temporary afternoon/evening relief for caregivers as they need it.
 - We will try to find a shift that works for your schedule and offer it to the caregivers as an option if you are available outside these set times. 
 - We are closed on weekends and holidays.

Impact:
Respite Caregivers ensure stability and continuity of care for individuals with disabilities while primary caregivers step away. By offering reliable and compassionate support, Respite Caregivers provide families with confidence that their loved ones are safe, respected and engaged. This consistency strengthen's Live Empowered's mission to honor each individual's Dreams, Needs, and Abilities while reducing stress and creating sustainability for family caregivers.