Respite Worker

Are you compassionate and caring? 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 currently hiring part time Respite Workers for Columbia and Greene Counties. Apply today to make a meaningful impact. 

Respite services are provided for youth often 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.

POSITION TYPE: Part Time-up to 15 hours/non-exempt

PAY RANGE: $18.00 per hour.  

WORK LOCATION: Hudson and Catskill, NY.  

SHIFT SCHEDULE: Flexible hours to be determined by staff and families with occasional weekend, holiday and evening hours

Job Duties:

• 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, an Associate’s Degree in Human Services or Early Childhood Education is preferred.

• Must have experience working with children.

• Must have proficiency and adaptability with computer software and web-based systems with the aptitude to learn additional systems quickly and efficiently.

• Demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

• Must have a valid NYS driver’s license with a MVR eligible for agency insurance coverage and reliable transportation.
• Should have an understanding of cultural family differences and is non-judgmental.
• Must have good interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• 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.
• Regular and steady attendance is a requirement for all positions.

Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

All offers are contingent upon successful Statewide Central Registry (SCR), fingerprint clearance and possession of a valid NYS driver’s license with a MVR eligible for agency insurance coverage.

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.

Part Time 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."