Respite Retreat Drivers/Staff- Short Term Contract
Respite Retreat Staff/Driver Short Term Contract
Rate: $22/hr approximately 16 hours a day. 3,4,5 and 10-day trips available.
Location: Pick up Brooklyn with travel to the retreat center in the Catskills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Respite Retreat Staff position is to help facilitate a camp-like experience for children and adults ages 9 and up that have challenges related their developmental disability. We are looking for upbeat, enthusiastic candidates who are interested in a short-term position (usually 4 or 5 days) which includes traveling to the Catskill mountains to enjoy the outdoors, a pool, field trips, and lots of good food. We have many retreats planned throughout the Summer, into the Fall and Winter--you can sign up for one trip date or multiple dates.
Since you will be on-site for multiple days, the opportunity for overtime comes quickly, and it is financially rewarding as well as a great experience.
Candidates MUST:
- Be aware of the safety and proximity of the participants at all times.
- Be able to drive a sprinter van with multiple passengers for long distances.
- Demonstrate good organizational skills: keeping up with the day's activities, being timely, keeping track of participants and their belongings.
- Follow directives from the Program Supervisor regarding the (tentative) daily schedule.
- Facilitate 5, structured group activities daily (including at least one community field trip) as per the daily schedule.
- Acknowledge that once you have arrived at the pick-up location, you are at work and are expected to be responsible for the participants.
- Provide access to community resources, such as knowing how to shop in stores, wait on lines, sit in restaurants, go to the park and attend local events chosen by the attendees.
- Must be 25+ with a NYS Driver's License with a clean driving record.
- Prior experience as a camp counselor or recreational program is highly preferred.
- Bilingual is a plus.
- Complete all trainings including safety protocols from the Agency prior to start.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and excitement to the participants, while also completing routine safety checks.
- Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
- High school diploma or GED required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs.
- Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
CARES (Community Assistance Resources and Extended Services, Inc.) is to assist children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and/or mental health conditions and their families, in particular, from under-served multilingual communities, access information, obtain resources and services.
Skills Required
- Be 25 years or older
- Valid New York State driver’s license
- Clean driving record
- Ability to drive a Sprinter van with multiple passengers for long distances
- High school diploma or GED
- Complete all agency trainings including safety protocols prior to start
- Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs
- Ability to talk, listen, and speak clearly
- Maintain participant safety and proximity at all times
- Good organizational skills to manage daily activities and participant belongings
- Facilitate five structured group activities daily, including community field trips
- Follow directives from the Program Supervisor and maintain company policies
- Prior experience as a camp counselor or recreational program
- Bilingual ability
What We Do
CARES Community Assistance Resources and Extended Services, Inc. is a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and specialized care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those facing mental health challenges. Since 2005, they have focused on delivering compassionate support and personalized, community-based solutions to help diverse populations achieve their full potential and maximize their independence.








