Susan Senator

We are now recruiting candidates for the Shared Living Provider (live-in caregiver) for Nat’s group home.  Here is the description:

CARING AND COMMITTED CAREGIVER SOUGHT

Advocates, Inc. is looking for a full-time live-in caregiver (Shared Living Provider) to support three young men with moderate autism in a large apartment in Brookline, MA.  The potential caregiver will live rent-free and will provide daily care and an enriching, safe and supportive environment for the three clients.

POSITION OFFERED:

Overseen by Advocates clinical team, the full-time SHARED LIVING PROVIDER (LIVE-IN CAREGIVER) will provide support for the three young men in the apartment.  Advocates, Inc. Shared Living Program’s clinical team will assist the Shared Living Provider with setting up the home’s routines implementing procedures.   There will also be occasional help from all the families. Two of the young men also have some additional part-time DDS staff to work with them on a semi-regular basis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE YOUNG MEN:

The young men are in their early twenties, and can communicate either verbally or with some prompts and cues. They have many things in common; they are into sports to different degrees (walking, bowling, skiing, running, biking).  They love going out into the world. Each of the young men is delightful in his own way, very capable of many aspects of self-care, and socially willing. Each requires help in social appropriateness, self-calming, and choosing leisure activities, as well as prompts and some physical support in meal prep, cleaning, and some activities of daily living (ADLs).  The job would call for skills that encourage and facilitate social interactions.

SCHEDULE AND TYPE OF ACTIVITIES:

The individuals are out of the house attending day programs Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm.  They are very involved with their natural family members including their parents, sisters, brothers and other close relatives.  The young men participate in many activities outside the home, always accompanied by a staff person or the caregiver.  They enjoy going out in the community.  With the proper oversight and supervision, these young men enjoy taking the T places, taking walks, shooting baskets, visiting stores, going out for ice cream, sporting events, shows, movies, bowling, and many other activities offered in the Greater Boston area.

LIVING ARRANGEMENT/INVOLVEMENT WITH FAMILIES OF THE YOUNG MEN:

The preferred living arrangement is one in which the families will be actively involved with the home: visiting the young men, taking them home once in a while, making dinners with them.  Such active family involvement means that the caregiver and other support staff will need to communicate with the  families on a regular basis.  The young men’s families would want them to live in a safe environment, where they are encouraged to continue to grow with their own personal hobbies, interests, and skills in all areas of life (social, physical fitness, self care, etc.).

POTENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS OF SHARED LIVING PROVIDER

• Caregiver can be either female or male, or a couple
• Caregiver should be active, attentive to details, enthusiastic, able to think on his feet and respond quickly and effectively.
• Able to offer assistance with ADLs:  showering, shaving, tooth-brushing, monitoring with toileting, some assistance with dressing
• Medication management
• Provide companionship tailored to each of the three young men’s individual personalities
• Transport and assist individuals to occasional appointments (families will do most of this)
• Facilitate family visits and communication on an ongoing basis to ensure the young men’s optimum care and well being
• Knowledge of Autism/ MR.  Training will also be provided.
• More residential setting details  andstipend details  available upon request.

Compensation:

Generous tax-free stipend will be paid on a monthly basis to Shared Living Provider as well as Room and Board.

If you or anyone you know is interested; or have additional questions, please contact via email or the number listed below:

Susan Nathan

Human Resources Recruitment Manager

One Clarks Hill Framingham, Ma. 01702

office 508 628-6408

blackberry 774 279-0419

snathan@advocatesinc.org