Part-Time Special Needs Caregiver – Weekend Day Shift

Location: Duncansville, PA 16635

About the role

A family in Duncansville is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and patient caregiver to provide weekend daytime support and companionship for a 14-year-old adolescent with special needs. The caregiver will assist with daytime routines, personal care, mobility, communication, recreational activities, and safety monitoring in a supportive home environment. This is a meaningful opportunity for someone who enjoys working one-on-one with young people and wants to make a positive difference in an adolescent’s comfort, independence, and quality of life. Parents are actively involved and work closely with the caregiver to provide clear guidance, maintain consistency, and support individualized, person-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daytime routines, including feeding, dressing, toileting, positioning, playing, and transfers as needed.
• Provide toileting assistance when necessary; the adolescent is toilet-trained.
• Assist with stretching and range-of-motion exercises.
• Prepare light snacks, blended nutrition, or bottles according to the family’s established routine.
• Assist with hobbies and activities throughout the day.
• Monitor the adolescent while sleeping and promptly report any concerns, changes, or unusual observations.
• Participate in age-appropriate recreational and educational activities, including games, conversation, light tutoring, and interaction using an iPad or speech-generating device.
• Encourage communication, social interaction, personal choice, and independence.
• Willingness to learn some sign language.
• Provide attentive companionship and emotional support.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized care environment.
• Complete light household tasks directly related to the adolescent’s care.
• Communicate effectively with parents and provide a clear end-of-shift summary each day.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates may have professional credentials, relevant education, direct-care experience, or a combination of these. Appropriate backgrounds may include:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Direct Support Professional (DSP)
• Personal Care Assistant or Home Health Aide
• Special education, early childhood education, adolescent education, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, or a related field
• Professional or personal experience providing direct care to children or individuals with disabilities

Previous experience supporting children or adolescents with physical, developmental, intellectual, or communication-related disabilities is strongly preferred. Familiarity with sign language, augmentative and alternative communication, or speech-generating devices is helpful but not required. The family will provide guidance regarding established routines, preferences, and communication methods.

Requirements

Candidates must:

• Hold current CPR certification or obtain certification before beginning employment.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Provide professional or caregiving references upon request.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Be a non-smoker.

Skills and Attributes

The ideal candidate will:

• Be patient, nurturing, calm, compassionate, and attentive.
• Treat the adolescent with dignity, respect, and age-appropriate consideration.
• Be dependable, punctual, and consistent.
• Communicate clearly and work collaboratively with parents.
• Be receptive to feedback and committed to family-centered care.
• Be comfortable using an iPad and speech-generating technology.
• Be able to safely lift, transfer, or assist with transfer.
• Maintain appropriate privacy and confidentiality.

Schedule

• Regular schedule: Saturday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm
• Approximately 8 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours based on the family’s needs and the caregiver’s availability.

Pay

$20.00–$25.00 per hour, based on relevant experience, education, professional credentials, and demonstrated caregiving skills.

Why Consider This Position?

This position offers the opportunity to build a meaningful connection with a remarkable young person while providing valuable support to the adolescent and family. The caregiver will play an important role in promoting comfort, communication, independence, safety, and an enhanced quality of life. Compassion, reliability, professionalism, and genuine care are valued above all else.