Respite Aide

ABOUT THE SCHOOL:

Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania.

Neville House is an innovative adult services and respite program designed to provide meaningful opportunities, respite services, community engagement, and enhanced supports for adults with blindness, visual impairments, and additional disabilities. Staff are expected to provide compassionate, person-centered support that promotes independence, dignity, inclusion, lifelong learning, and quality of life.

Unlike a school-based setting, Neville House operates as a respite and adult services environment where staff support participants in daily living, recreation, community participation, relationship-building, and independent living experiences across a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Respite Aide serves as a primary support person for adults participating in respite services at Neville House. The Respite Aide helps create a safe, welcoming, and engaging home-like environment where participants can enjoy meaningful experiences, develop independence, build social connections, and participate fully in community life. This position provides direct support with daily living activities, personal care, recreation, community engagement, and independent living skills while ensuring participant health, safety, dignity, and well-being. The Respite Aide plays a critical role in providing high-quality respite services that offer participants enriching experiences and provide families and caregivers with confidence and peace of mind. Working collaboratively with nursing staff, supervisors, families, and other team members, the Respite Aide promotes a person-centered approach that respects individual preferences, strengths, goals, and choices.

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Compensation: $20-$22/hr depending on education level achieved

Working Schedule: The Program is open 365 days per year (holidays included), therefore there are 5 different shifts available to choose from.

• Daylight Monday - Friday 7a-3p
• Evening Monday - Friday 3p-11p
• Nights Monday - Friday 11p-7a
• Daylight Saturday & Sunday 7a-7p
• Nights Saturday & Sunday 7p-7a

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Participant Support

• Provide direct supervision and support to participants in accordance with individualized support plans and program expectations.
• Assist participants with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, mobility, and other personal care needs as appropriate.
• Encourage participant choice, self-advocacy, independence, and decision-making.
• Foster positive relationships with participants while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Provide companionship, encouragement, and emotional support in a respectful and person-centered manner.
• Assist participants with evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday routines as assigned.

Independent Living and Community Engagement

• Encourage participants to make choices and actively participate in planning activities and daily routines.
• Assist participants in accessing community resources, recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, social events, and other experiences that promote inclusion and independence.
• Facilitate opportunities for participants to build friendships, develop confidence, and strengthen self-advocacy skills.
• Promote a home-like atmosphere that encourages comfort, belonging, personal growth, and meaningful participation.
• Support participants in navigating and engaging successfully in community settings.

Recreation and Respite Programming

• Assist in planning, preparing, and facilitating recreational, leisure, educational, wellness, and social activities.
• Support participants during community outings, appointments, special events, and recreational opportunities.
• Encourage active participation and engagement in daily programming and leisure activities.
• Assist in creating meaningful experiences that align with participant interests, goals, and preferences.
• Help ensure that respite stays are positive, enjoyable, and enriching for participants and their families.

Household and Environmental Support

• Assist with meal preparation, dining support, housekeeping, laundry, and maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Support participants in learning and practicing household management skills.
• Ensure living and common areas remain safe, comfortable, and inviting.
• Assist with maintaining supplies and notifying supervisors of program or household needs.

Health and Safety

• Monitor participant well-being and promptly report health, behavioral, safety, or environmental concerns to appropriate staff.
• Implement participant support plans, behavior support strategies, safety procedures, and emergency protocols as directed.
• Assist with transfers, positioning, mobility support, and adaptive equipment as needed.
• Respond appropriately to participant emergencies and follow established procedures.
• Maintain awareness of participant medical conditions, dietary restrictions, allergies, and safety considerations.
• Complete required incident reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with nursing staff to support participant health and wellness needs.

Documentation and Communication

• Document participant activities, progress, observations, and incidents in accordance with program requirements.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, nursing staff, families, guardians, and team members regarding participant needs and concerns.
• Participate in shift reports, team meetings, and required trainings.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Respite Aides, LPNs, supervisors and other staff to ensure continuity of care and high-quality participant experiences.
• Support a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for participants, families, and coworkers.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist with program needs across shifts and activities.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and required trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success.

Other duties as assigned

An Equal Opportunity Employer

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to work effectively with adults with visual impairments, disabilities, and diverse support needs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to complete required clearances, background checks, and training requirements.
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and other required certifications.

Preferred:

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, autism, visual impairments, multiple disabilities, or medically complex needs.
• Experience in residential services, respite care, direct support, healthcare, education, recreation, human services, or community-based programming.
• Knowledge of person-centered supports, independent living skills instruction, and positive behavior support practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, transfer, and assist participants throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely assist participants with mobility and personal care needs.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.