Respite Specialist

Greater Mental Health of New York•Tarrytown, NY

About The Position

The Respite Specialist provides short-term assistance to children and youth when relief is needed for the child or family caregiver. The role supervises youth and engages them in activities that support their constructive interests and abilities. The position is part of the Crisis Stabilization Team, which serves children and youth throughout Westchester County who are at high risk of hospitalization, re-hospitalization, or placement. The team provides intensive crisis supports to reduce acute symptoms, restore pre-crisis functioning, and strengthen natural supports. The Respite Specialist practices with a person-centered, trauma-informed philosophy and contributes to a recovery-focused, strength-based team culture. The role requires a flexible schedule and includes maintaining appropriate professional standards, following applicable regulatory requirements, and performing other designated related duties. This is a mandated reporter position under New York State Justice Center legislation.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or a State Education Commencement Credential (e.g., SACC or CDOS).
Experience working with children or youth.
Strong computer knowledge, including typing, communication tools, scheduling tools, and web browsers.
Reliable, able to work independently, and able to maintain confidentiality.
Fluency in English in reading, writing, and speaking.
Valid driver’s license held for at least three years, a driving record satisfactory to the insurance carrier with no more than six points, and compliance with the agency driver policy.
Agency drivers must be at least 21 years old.
Obtain and maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire.
Obtain and maintain required applicable regulatory clearances.
Legally eligible to work in the United States.
Knowledge of signs of psychiatric crises, engagement skills, and de-escalation techniques.
Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
Understanding of family systems across diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children or youth with special needs is preferred.
High school equivalency is preferred.

Responsibilities

Engage youth in strategies to work toward identified goals, including strengthening problem-solving skills, mentoring, community activities and resource exploration, and life skills support.
Document progress and maintain a permanent record of activities in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and program guidance.
Practice in alignment with the organization’s person-centered, trauma-informed values.
Help shape a team culture that promotes person-centered, recovery-focused, strength-based service delivery.
Assist with youth engagement and retention activities and support a family-focused, recovery-oriented approach.
Maintain appropriate professional standards and adhere to standards and guidelines established by applicable regulatory authorities.
Participate in team meetings.
Work a flexible schedule as required by the nature of the position.
Perform other designated and related duties.
Meet documentation, productivity, and professional development and training expectations.
Relate well to and engage youth and their family members.

Benefits

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after one year of service.
Flexible work arrangements, subject to business needs, including hybrid options.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
15 days of paid time off per year.
12 days of paid sick time per year.
11 employer-paid holidays per year.
Professional development opportunities, advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
Free Employee Assistance Program services.
Employee discounts on travel, hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, services, electronics, auto, shopping, and more.
Gym reimbursement through the employer’s medical insurance carrier.
Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.