DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Lead Care Manager III (LCM III) and Samuel’s House Program Manager (Program Manager), the Respite Care Worker provides direct client care and supportive services to individuals residing in Samuel's House Recuperative Care and Sobering Center programs. The Respite Care Worker monitors client well-being, maintains a safe and supportive environment, and assists with daily operational needs including housekeeping, food service, recreation activities, and medical support. This is a frontline, direct-care position requiring compassion, reliability, and commitment to trauma-informed, person-centered service delivery.
Client Monitoring and Safety:
- Monitor clients continuously throughout the shift; observe and document client behaviors, physical condition, and well-being.
- Conduct regular room checks and facility walk-throughs to ensure client safety and program compliance.
- Promptly identify and report any changes in client condition, safety concerns, or incidents to the LCM III or Program Manager.
- Respond calmly and effectively to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, or client conflicts; contact appropriate personnel or emergency services as needed.
- Enforce program rules and expectations in a respectful, trauma-informed manner; de-escalate situations using motivational and person-centered techniques.
- Complete accurate shift logs, incident reports, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
Housekeeping and Facility Maintenance:
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of client rooms, common areas, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry facilities, and all program spaces throughout each shift.
- Perform routine cleaning tasks including sweeping, mopping, wiping down surfaces, emptying trash, and restroom sanitation per established cleaning schedules.
- Assist clients in maintaining personal space and belongings in an orderly manner; promote a culture of cleanliness and mutual respect.
- Report facility maintenance issues, safety hazards, or equipment malfunctions to the Lead Staff or Program Manager promptly.
- Ensure adequate supplies (cleaning products, toiletries, linens, etc.) are available; communicate supply needs to supervisory staff.
- Follow all infection control and safety protocols in accordance with agency policy and applicable health regulations.
Food Service:
- Assist with preparation, portioning, and serving of meals and snacks for program clients in accordance with established menus and dietary guidelines.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and dining areas before, during, and after meal service.
- Adhere to food safety and handling regulations (temperatures, storage, expiration dates); report any food service concerns to supervisory staff.
- Accommodate client dietary restrictions or special needs as communicated by medical or supervisory staff.
- Record meal counts and document food service activities as required by program policy.
Recreation Activities:
- Plan, facilitate, and supervise structured and unstructured recreation and social activities for clients as part of daily program scheduling.
- Engage clients in age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and recovery-supportive recreational activities including group games, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and wellness exercises.
- Encourage client participation in recreation and social programming; respect individual client preferences and boundaries.
- Utilize recreation activities as opportunities to build rapport, promote social connection, and reinforce healthy lifestyle habits and coping skills.
- Assist in planning and facilitating house meetings, group discussions, and community-building events.
Medical Support:
- Assist clients with medication reminders and adherence in accordance with physician orders and agency medication management policy; document all medication-related interactions.
- Support clients in attending medical, dental, behavioral health, and specialty care appointments; provide transportation assistance or coordination as assigned.
- Observe and report any signs or symptoms of medical distress, substance intoxication, or withdrawal to the Lead Staff, Program Manager, or on-call medical personnel immediately.
- Assist with medical intake procedures including vital sign monitoring (if trained and authorized) and documentation of health-related information.
- Maintain awareness of individual client health needs and care plans as communicated by medical and supervisory staff; implement accommodations as directed.
- Follow HIPAA and all applicable confidentiality requirements in all client interactions and documentation.
Case Management Support and Client Services:
- Assist clients with identifying barriers and connecting to community resources, benefits programs, housing support, and other social services as directed by the LCM III or Program Manager.
- Support client intake and discharge processes including documentation, orientation to program rules, and transport linkage as needed.
- Conduct outreach and engagement activities in a person-centered and trauma-informed manner.
- Accurately record all contacts made and services provided in the electronic health records system in a timely manner.
- Maintain complete and accurate documentation of service activities in accordance with federal, state, county, and agency guidelines.
- Work collaboratively with Champions programs, managed care plans, primary care providers, and local community partners.
- Respond to client requests for assistance within the required response time.
- Encourage and promote a strengths-based environment to assist clients in meeting their individual goals.
- Attend team meetings, trainings, and required program activities as scheduled.
- Helps cover Samuel’s House monitor shifts as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; some college coursework in social work, psychology, healthcare, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 6 months of experience working in a residential care, recuperative care, sobering center, homeless shelter, substance use disorder treatment, or similar setting preferred.
- Experience providing direct care, custodial, or supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental illness, or medical vulnerability is highly desirable.
- Must have a valid California Class C Driver's License; maintain a good safety record (verified by DMV at hire and periodically) and a reliable vehicle; proof of liability insurance if driving personal vehicle.
- First Aid and CPR certifications must be obtained within 30 days of employment and maintained current thereafter.
- Food Handler Certification required within 30 days of employment (if involved in food service duties).
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with people in a constructive manner within a community-based treatment setting.
- Basic computer skills; ability to use electronic health records system for documentation purposes.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) preferred.
- Recovering individuals must have a minimum of two years clean, sober, and abstinent to be considered for employment.
- Must be able to provide services to clients while practicing cultural humility and trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and patient-centered care.
- Ability to work flexible schedules/shifts/areas including nights, weekends, and holidays in order to meet the needs of clients in the program.
- Must maintain good relationships with consumers, co-workers, government and civic representatives, and community members in a professional manner.
- Ability to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
