Respite Direct Service Professional

The Arc of Palm Beach County is a dynamic, community-based nonprofit serving and advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our dedicated and caring team members provide support that helps over 3,500 children, teens, and adults to live, learn, work, and thrive.

At The Arc, we are driven by our vision of a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted. Fulfilling this vision requires passion, creativity, and a diversity of skills and backgrounds. Think you have what it takes? Help us make a difference and join us as an Respite Direct Service Provider in the fight for inclusion and belonging for all!

Position Summary:

This position is directly responsible to the Respite Manager; the Respite Direct Service Provider (DSP) must maintain open communication with this person. 

The Respite DSP is required to work a flexible schedule, which will include weekends and evenings, in order to accommodate individual family needs. Respite DSPs will hold a minimum caseload providing consistent care in client’s natural setting (in-home) or center based. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide in-home, center-based and community-based care to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Palm Beach County.
• Assist in all activities of daily living including but not limited to feeding, dressing, diapering, toileting, comforting, providing recreational activities, ensuring the safety of program participants and their siblings.
• Provide direct care and support to clients by teaching, engaging, enriching or encouraging them daily.
• Implement and engage client in activities based on individual client needs and/or as identified in individual client assessment.  
• Maintain accurate and timely records/documentation as required by the program.
• Implement a center and community-based respite daily schedule including structured activities.
• Responsible for meeting requirements of safety procedures for all programming and field trips 
• Must be able to drive and have a valid driver’s license.
• Work cooperatively with the child’s parents and family members.
• Must have open ongoing communication with Respite Manager and the Director of Respite and Recreation. 
• Must be able to maintain and foster a cooperative work relationship with peers and management team. 
• Maintain the ability to meet the physical requirements of this position as related to duties at all times.
• Other duties as assigned by the President/CEO. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and team members.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Maintain professional and courteous demeanor.
• Identify concerns, generate and evaluate alternate solutions and make sound recommendations.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum High School Diploma required, some college preferred.   
• Must possess and maintain a current Florida’s Driver’s License and state minimum requirements for auto insurance.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with neurodiverse individual and/or one (1) year of providing direct care.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: 

• Regularly walk, sit, stand reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear
• Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch, and lift and/or carry office equipment, and boxes up to 20 pounds
• Driving to project sites, which may include walking, climbing and/or bending to perform inspections and observations
• Primary working conditions are typical for an in the field work  requiring sitting for an extended period of time; frequent use of computers and standard office equipment
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

We have a culture of compassionate team members and excellent Benefits:

• Affordable Comprehensive Medical Insurance
• FREE Dental/Vision Insurance
• Paid Life Insurance & Disability
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible Spending account
• Bonus Days Off the week before New Year’s Day
• Holiday, Vacation, PTO
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development