Self Direction Respite - Self Determination

Enjoy making a difference? Join the team at FREE, enriching the lives of others, one individual at a time.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual / developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to support people of all abilities reach their full potential and thrive in their communities. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

Position: Self Direction Respite
Reports To: FI Coordinator Designee

This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40
during a single calendar week (Monday - Sunday).
Summary/Objective
Under the supervision of both the self-directed participant and FI Coordinator designee in a comanagement
manner, Respite staff member is responsible for the organization/implementation of
activities for daily living and community integration coordinated through self-directed services.
Provision of support for the person served is dependent on the individuals need(s) and may
include; however is not limited to, physical lifting, pushing, transporting, moving and/or
assisting the person served in the completion of job duties. The Respite staff member is
responsible for fostering and maintaining an environment that promotes the health and safety of
all persons served. The Self Direction Respite staff abides by all agency policies, procedures,
mission, vision, etc., practices the code of ethics and meets the expectations of the core
competencies set by OPWDD/NADSP.
Essential Job Functions

• To give family/caregivers temporary relief from the care of their family member and to

provide the participant with activities of interest. Responsible for ensuring the
supervision of participant(s) based on individuals abilities including areas of self-care,
independent living, community integration, etc.

• Schedule of respite services is agreed upon between you, the agency, and the

participant/family.

• Documentation must be signed and dated by both the Respite Provider and the participant

or family member. Payment will not be received until proper documentation is verified
and signed.

• Ensure you have the Life Plan and safeguards on site, and that they are current.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Will promote teamwork by maintaining open and positive communications with

individuals, their families, Broker and Fiscal Intermediary.

• Individuals are to be encouraged to function as independently as possible.
• All Respite Providers must complete the requirements of OPWDD and FREE training

annually through Relias.

• All Respite Providers must cooperate with agency investigations.
• Self-hired respite providers are not permitted to handle medications.
• Maintain confidentially remembering all information is confidential and not to be

discussed or shared with any person not providing direct service to the individual inside
or outside the Agency including public and social settings.
Education, Work Experience, and Competencies

• 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required plus one year experience working with

Developmentally/Intellectually Disabled individuals preferred.

• Meet all criteria to be considered a valid driver for the agency.
• Ability to be flexible and work in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, decision-making, and problemsolving
• Evidence of understanding and empathy for the ID/DD population.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds or more.
• Daily standing, bending and lift.
• Must be able to stand for at least eight hours at a time.

FREE is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. In addition to federal law requirements, FREE complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in all of its locations. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises’ affirmative action efforts related to protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are set out and described in our affirmative action plan for protected veterans and individuals with a disability. If you have any questions or would like to view the affirmative action plan, please visit our website www.familyres.org