Respite Home Support Worker & Respite Provider: Role and Responsibilities

Type of Support Roles Required:

 

Respite Providers……………………...…………………………………………………………………FRS Administered

  • Part-time, hours range from 4 – 6 hours per week, $10-$12/hour
  • Support is generally done in the family’s home or in the community with specific goals in mind
  • Some families self administer their funding so if you are supporting a child you could be self employed/private contract. The respite provider and parent will negotiate how payment is implemented. 

 

Roles and Responsibilities:

 

Providing Support to Families

FRS supports over 900 families caring for children (0-18) with disabilities in Windsor and Essex County. FRS provides a break for families by engaging in meaningful activities with the child in the community and in the family’s home. Respite Providers work with a child but it is based on education, experience, interests, availability and location of where you live. The family makes the decision about whether the respite provider is suited to their family and child. FRS supports children with Intellectual Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Medical Health Challenges, Autism, and Mental Health Challenges.

 

  • Parents expect that the respite provider will go to the families home a few hours a day and a couple of times a week.

Eg. Tues/Thurs 4 p.m. -6 p.m. and/or Saturdays etc. hours are typically after school, evenings and weekends

  • Families may be flexible with schedules; however we recommend individuals provide a routine time for the child and family. One year/long term commitment is expected.

 

Developing Relationships with Children with Disabilities

  • Enriching the quality of life for families, while the child participates in our community
  • Working with children through FRS is very rewarding for the child, family and respite provider

Tasks Include:

  • Academics-tutoring, puzzles, library, reading, math, telling time etc.              
  • Socialization- communication, role playing, turn taking
  • Developmental skills/Daily Life Skills
  • Recreational Activities- Park, community centers, sports, exercise

 

Building on Skills and Experience  

  • Ability/Experience to respond to children with varying needs Eg) Children with Autism, Children with Behavioural Challenges, Children with Medical Health Challenges and children with Physical disabilities; personal care. FRS looks at what you are comfortable doing when supporting a child and the past experience you may have. Families and FRS provide training as well. Students enrolled in related programs can gain a lot of experience from supporting a child, you can apply the theory learned in the classroom setting in a practical manner. This is a flexible part time job for graduates as well, even if you are already working full time else where.

 

Requirements and Compensation

  • The family decides on the rate of pay, however most families pay $10-$12/hour depending on the funding available. 
  • Transportation to the family’s home is mandatory. Some families require that the respite provider

transport their child to community outings. Most families request that you have your own vehicle, however it is not mandatory. If you don’t have a vehicle it may be difficult to find an appropriate family for a respite provider to support.