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Respite Home Support Worker & Respite Provider: Role and Responsibilities

Type of Support Roles Required:

In-Home workers……………………………………………………………………………………FRS Administered

  • Part-time, hours range from 4 – 6 hours per week
  • Support is generally done in the family’s home with specific goals


Respite Providers, Self employed/Private Contracts…………………………………………Parent Administered

  • Part time, hours range from 4– 6 hours per week
  • Support is generally done outside of the home (in the community)
  • Provider and parent will negotiate what work is to be done and how payment is to be made.  We encourage self employed workers to buy a receipt book to document and verify their earnings.


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 suitability, skills, interests, and availability. 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 worker will go to the families home a few hours a day and a couple of times a week.  Eg. Tues/Thurs 4 p.m. -8 p.m. and/or Saturdays etc. 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

  • 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
  • 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


Building on Skills and Experience   

  • Ability/Experience to respond to children with varying needs Eg) Children with Autism, Children with Behavioural Challenges and Children with Medical Health Challenges
  • Ability/Experience to provide care to children with Physical disabilities; personal care


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.