Behavioral Health Respite Provider

Applewood Centers•Cleveland, OH

4d•$18 - $21

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Respite Provider provides short-term care and supervision for youth ages 8–17 enrolled in the OhioRise program, giving their caregivers a temporary break. Each session lasts approximately three hours and takes place in a structured, safe environment at home, in the community, or both. The provider engages youth through companionship and strategies that support social, emotional, and behavioral development. Work is primarily during evenings and weekends, when youth are not in school; the part-time role is up to 20 hours per week, with typical shifts from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a need for second-shift availability. Applewood Centers is a private nonprofit agency providing mental health, social, and educational services to children, adolescents, and families in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Its services address behavioral, emotional, and learning challenges and range from outpatient counseling to residential treatment.

Requirements

High school diploma or higher.
Three or more years of relevant social services experience.
QMHS certification must be obtained before billing services for the Agency.
Ability to work with diverse populations with complex needs impacted by poverty.
Ability to perform role duties and keep relevant knowledge up to date.
Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and skill in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
Clear professional verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.
Honesty, personal responsibility, accountability, and ability to apply ethical concepts within the scope of work.
Ability to work effectively on a professional team that includes employees, clients, and family members.
Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to problems, gather and assess information, identify root causes, and make timely decisions.
Competence using Agency computer systems and software required for essential job functions.
Availability to provide care during school hours, evenings, and weekends as needed.
Valid Ohio driver’s license, working vehicle, and proof of auto insurance meeting state minimum requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a similar field.
Experience working with youth with mental health or behavioral challenges.

Responsibilities

Provide short-term, direct care to youth enrolled in the OhioRise program as needed.
Maintain open and effective communication with youth, their families, and other treatment-team members.
Provide families timely updates about youth activities, progress, and concerns observed during respite services.
Transport youth to selected community activities.
Plan and participate in recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities suited to each youth’s age and abilities.
Maintain a safe, nurturing, and structured environment consistent with the client’s individual care plan.
Promote socialization and positive interactions.
Collaborate with treatment-team members to support continuity of care and alignment with the youth’s Care Plan, if applicable.
Provide services consistent with Agency quality and productivity standards and follow Agency safety protocols.
Complete assigned documentation promptly and contribute to the clinical record in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.
Protect client privacy and handle client-related documents according to Agency confidentiality guidelines.
Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing training.
Keep required training, certifications, and licensure current.
Maintain ethical and professional conduct and follow Agency policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.