RESPITE CARE SPECIALIST - JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Part-Time 16-30 hours/week; evening & weekend shifts; Pay rate $13-14/hour

Strength In Peers, a 501c3 peer-run, nonprofit organization seeks qualified individuals to fill multiple Respite Care Specialist positions working out of the organizations new Respite Home which is privately located on the Sentara RMH campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Respite Home is scheduled to open at the beginning of August 2024 and training associated with these positions will be provided mid-July 2024. The Home provides a safe and secure location for unhoused individuals to recuperate post-hospitalization.

Position Summary:

The Respite Care Specialist (RCS, or Specialist) provides essential support to guests staying at Strength In Peers 8-bedroom respite house temporarily, post-hospitalization. Key responsibilities include enforcing program policies, monitoring participants for safety, providing direct peer support and connecting guests to relevant community resources. The RCS supports each guests unique needs by helping them follow their medical instructions including medication management and dietary specifications, helping them use the computer to navigate housing applications and employment opportunities, and supporting the persons wellness goals and recovery objectives. Additionally, the Specialist supports the general health and safety of the home by ensuring cleanliness, assigning chores as applicable, tracking supply needs and coordinating with other staff and volunteers. The RCS is responsible for following HIPAA guidelines, entering data, and supporting the administrative tasks of the organization. Strength In Peers will provide training that supports this role.

General Job Duties:

• Provide support to guests through empathetic, active listening and the incorporation of Peer Recovery Specialists skills.
• Assist guests in their development of recovery and housing goals.
• Enter data and use data systems to document work, assess participants need, and to collaborate with team members.
• Monitor guests self-administration of medication and adherence to dietary conditions
• Enforce program policies and procedures
• Support guests in carrying out their Activities for Daily Living (ADLs) within the Peer Recovery Specialist scope of practice.
• Provide referrals to appropriate community providers.
• Advocate for the guests stipulated goals and objectives and connect them to appropriate resources.
• Maintain a working relationship with community providers, and other agency programs.
• Coordinate and assist with guest transportation needs for health and social services appointments.
• Attend staff meetings and relevant training as requested.
• Debrief with staff and provide updates and relevant reports to in-coming shift worker(s).
• Maintain and monitor house cleanliness including laundering bedding and towels and ensuring surfaces throughout the home are sanitized and disinfected.
• Maintains ethical and professional standards by maintaining boundaries, ensuring confidentiality, and adhering to the privacy rights of each guest.
• Monitor the safety of guests.
• Assist with administrative tasks of the organization as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Believe that anyone can recover and thrive; support all recovery pathways.
• Able to connect with others and inspire confidence and hope.
• Resourceful, proactive, and comfortable working with diverse populations.
• Able to communicate effectively in writing and interpersonally in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Able to work with limited supervision and considerable self-direction.
• Strong computer skills, including data entry, word processing, email, and internet navigation.
• Able to pass criminal background check.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Drivers license and acceptable driving record required.

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to Director@StrengthInPeers.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Only applications that provide both cover letter and resume will be considered. Please no phone calls.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 16 30 per week

Benefits:

• Paid orientation
• Paid training

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• On call
• Overnight shift
• Rotating weekends
• Weekends as needed
• Weekends only

Ability to Commute:

• Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (Required)

Work Location: In person