What are the responsibilities and job description for the Respite Caregiver position at Palmer Home for Children?
Organization
Palmer Home provides superior care for children while introducing the love of God through service to each individual child.
Position
Palmer Home is currently seeking two Respite Caregivers to provide compassionate supervision for up to 8 children in a home-like group setting during scheduled respite periods for House Parents. This could be a married couple. The Respite Caregiver will collaborate with a professional, trauma-informed team to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. This approach is guided by the Whole Child Initiative, which emphasizes nurturing children across five key areas: educational, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual development. The ideal candidate will be mature, responsible, and driven by a ministry-focused and mission-oriented mindset.
Schedule
When you are on duty, the shift is from Fridays at 12pm through Tuesdays at 1 pm. Shift dates will be scheduled by your manager. The Respite Caregiver will also attend weekly staff meeting and periodic trainings as scheduled.
Responsibilities
· Ensure basic physical needs of each child are met, proper nutrition is provided, a
clean and sanitary home environment is maintained; this includes appropriate
clothing; healthy amounts of physical exercise; and doctor visits as needed.
· Collaborate with Case Managers and House Parents to identify, address, or report
any concerns, permissions, or specific needs.
· Participate in Whole Child Initiative certification and continued training.
· Participate in weekly staff meetings and other identified training.
· Maintain a clean and organized home environment, leaving the cottage in the
same or better state as upon arrival. Responsibilities may include tasks such as laundry, washing dishes, sweeping, mopping as needed, and maintaining a clutter-free communal area.
· Effectively manage household budget and ensure allocated funds are being wisely
spent.
· Assist in the implementation of care plans for children.
· Plan activities for the weekend as desired, within the relief budget allowances, or
utilizing donated event tickets, discounts or invitations. Outings will be disclosed to House Parents and/or Case Manager as needed for consent/approval.
· Work collaboratively with other caregivers and faculty staff to uphold and
maintain the campus living environment.
· Active participation in a local church and modeling Christian values at all times.
· Attend church with Palmer Home children each Sunday shift. You may choose to
take them to the cottage’s church of preference, or your own. (To be discussed with your manager).
· Work on a schedule identified by the Director of Campus Care, up to 300 hours
per month. Overtime is paid when more than 300 hours are worked.
· Follow a schedule set by the Director of Campus Care, with overtime
compensation paid for hours worked beyond the identified hour limit.
· Meet with the House Parent(s) of each cottage prior to your shift to discover the
needs and routines of the children, so that these routines may be kept consistent. These may include chores, work program, morning and bedtime routines, hygiene, tutoring, extra-curricular activities, and medical needs. You shall also convey your identified planned activities or meal ideas to ensure there are no concerns or barriers to these plans.
· Meet with the House Parent(s) of each cottage at the conclusion of your shift to
share pertinent information from your time in the home.
· Transport children to and from school, necessary appointments, extra-curricular
activities, or planned events, using a Palmer Home vehicle assigned to the cottage.
· Coordinate with Assistant Caregivers to arrange added support or supervision as
needed for appointments, outings, and other activities.
Qualifications
· Must be in agreement with the Palmer Home for Children Statement of Christian
Beliefs and demonstrate a strong commitment to Christ consistent with the
mission of Palmer Home status as a non-profit religious organization.
· Able and willing to collaborate in a close-knit community that works together as a
team.
· Prior experience working with children.
· Able and willing to work in homes of either gender and any age group (0-17).
· An ability to understand and implement care plans.
· Bachelor’s degree preferred.
· Must legally be able to work in the United States and pass a criminal background
check.
· Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
· Must be physically able to meet the basic needs of children under care.
· English language proficiency required.
· Must demonstrate flexibility and understanding due to unforeseen circumstances
and multiple roles required in daily activity.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this position.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $2,000.00 - $2,200.00 per month
Schedule:
- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Overnight shift
- Overtime
- Rotating weekends
Application Question(s):
- Would you be willing to sign a statement of faith as this is a faith-based organization?
Experience:
- Caregiving: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Lake Cormorant, MS 38641 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $2,000 - $2,200