Respite worker

The Child Center of NY strengthens children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. Founded in 1953, The Child Center of NY has become a powerful community presence throughout the city. With 50 locations and 100 programs in NYC’s most under-served communities, our 1,000+ results-oriented professionals make a difference for more than 40,000 children and their families each year.

About the role

Join our team as a Respite Care Worker, where you’ll provide temporary care and support for children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (S.E.D.). This role offers a unique opportunity to give parents and caregivers the break they need while creating safe, fun, and enriching experiences for young people. By helping to reduce stress at home, you’ll play an important role in strengthening family harmony and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and support for children in their homes or community settings.
• Engage children in recreational activities that build on their strengths, skills, and interests.
• Collaborate with Health Home providers and parents to ensure children’s needs are met during respite care.
• Maintain clear and timely documentation (within 48 hours of service delivery).
• Communicate openly with children and families about activities and observations.
• Perform other related responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience working or volunteering with children with special needs and their families.
• Compassion, patience, and the ability to connect with diverse social, cultural, and economic groups.
• Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and listening.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) is a plus.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting children and families.
• Reimbursement for transportation costs.
• Gain valuable experience in community-based care and behavioral health.
• Make a direct and positive impact in the lives of children and their caregivers.

Pay

$27.78 per service hour.

Schedule

Flexible scheduling options — we operate every day of the week, so you get to build a schedule that works best for you and the families you serve.