Respite Worker

Are you looking for a rewarding career in Mental Health & Human Services? Apply today to join an amazing team, dedicated to advocating the health & well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties Inc. is looking to fill the position of Respite Worker. This position is part-time, schedule TBD, $17.00 - $20.00 34per hour, 5-25 hours per week. The Respite Program operates out of Columbia and Greene County.

Part Time Benefits over 20 hours include Voluntary Dental, Vision, Life, Telemedicine (Concierge Medical), Voluntary 401K plans, EAP, generous sick, vacation, personal time, and paid holidays. Plus, you get to be part of a dynamic, diverse, and supportive behavioral health organization whose mission is to "Provide education and advocacy, and to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities."

Per Diem Benefits under 20 hours include Voluntary Telemedicine (Concierge Medical), Voluntary 401K plans, EAP, and NYS paid sick leave. Plus, you get to be part of a dynamic, diverse, and supportive behavioral health organization whose mission is to "Provide education and advocacy, and to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities."

Respite services are provided for youth with serious social, emotional and behavioral problems and for children of parents with psychiatric diagnoses. Respite provides enhanced self-esteem for participating youth and positive role-modeling as well as a scheduled break for parents.

Job duties include:

• Provide non-judgmental positive support to a child whose self-esteem has often been challenged by the social, emotional or behavioral problems he/she has confronted.
• Work to build a relationship that fosters trust, confidence and self-acceptance.
• Implementation of fun activities that are age appropriate, providing respite services on a regular basis in or out of the home.
• Coordinate scheduling and provide transportation for children and their families to appointments when needed.
• Initiate regular conversation with the family you are working with.
• Communicate frequently with the supervisor and report any new situation, unusual behaviors, events, and/or abusive situations.
• Record accurate notes pertaining to the goals and activities performed during each visit.
• Attend any meeting, including agency/staff meetings, as directed by the supervisor.
• Attend any trainings, conferences, and in-services related to this position as directed by the supervisor.
• Must maintain child safety at ALL times. NEVER leave a child unattended.
• Always follow all vehicle safety rules properly.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalency, Associates degree in related field preferred.
• Must have experience working with youth.
• Familiarity with recreational activities Columbia and Greene County offer.
• Must be flexible with scheduling, able to work weekends and early evening hours during the week.
• Must have an understanding of cultural family differences and values with the ability to remain non-judgmental.
• Must have an understanding of HIPPA privacy laws and adhere to them.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Must have excellent verbal, written, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse population of urban, suburban and rural cultures and with community members from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
• Must be able to work regularly outside the office and in the field to engage with clients.
• Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

All offers are contingent on the candidate’s ability to obtain a Statewide Central Registry and Fingerprint clearance and must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and a clean MVR.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate in our employment practices due to an applicant's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, military status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression (including transgender status), predisposing genetic characteristics/genetic information or carrier status, ancestry, ethnic group identification, ethnic background, traits historically associated with race, reproductive health decision making, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. At the Mental Health Association, we believe a diverse and inclusive workforce makes the best workforce.