Respite Worker - PD

Community Access • New York, NY

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Community Access is hiring a Per Diem Respite Worker for its Residential Crisis Support program, a short-term, peer-led alternative to hospitalization that provides care in a friendly, home-like environment. The program supports guests in learning and practicing recovery and relapse-prevention skills, maintaining established daily activities, and developing tools to manage future crises. Stays are limited to 28 days, and recovery-oriented services are provided 24 hours a day.

The Respite Worker supports the program’s daily operations, including providing individual and group-based support, planning and preparing meals, and processing referrals, intakes, and discharges. Assigned guests must have a progress note each day reflecting appropriate peer support, and documentation must be entered within 48 hours of contact. The role requires availability to cover shifts at both ICR and RCS locations, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and assigned holidays, and the ability to navigate several flights of stairs repeatedly during a shift.

Requirements

• Lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully.
• Respect for and a high level of comfort around people experiencing psychiatric crisis.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented practice and ability to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills to help create and maintain a recovery-promoting environment.
• NYS Peer Certification, or provisional certification within 90 days of hire and full certification within one year of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Creativity and flexibility.
• Ability to use computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Initiative and responsibility for follow-through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information related to the position.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Availability to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and assigned holidays.
• Ability to navigate several flights of stairs repeatedly during a shift.
• Understanding, appreciation, and commitment to Community Access’s philosophy and mission.

Nice To Haves

• Previous professional experience in the behavioral health field.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group-based support to program guests.
• Plan and prepare meals.
• Process and prepare for referrals, intakes, and discharges.
• Enter a daily progress note for each assigned guest reflecting appropriate peer support.
• Complete documentation within 48 hours of contact.
• Cover shifts at both the ICR and RCS locations, including assigned days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED