Overview

Would you like to make a big impact on a teen with special needs? Are you a big Mets fan? Do you play an instrument and want to jam as part of your job (so fun!)? This lovely, super creative returning family is looking for a part-time companion for their 16-year-old son with special needs. The main part of the job is helping him with life skills and helping him gain more independence - for example, how to pay in the subway, or how to walk home from school without getting too distracted. Both parents are creatives that work from home part-time and they're very hands on, but they do have dedicated work spaces. While the position is primarily with the teen, one big requirement is a team player with a “how can I help?” mentality! This role is 50% care taking and 50% household tasks. It's also school year position that pauses in the summer, though the family is open to working out how to make it work, if you would like to go beyond June and it's a good fit! It's $30 to $40/hour, (if you ask for the highest rate, please be sure to list qualifications, certifications, and/or experience), plus PTO, Sick Time, MetroCard. They will likely do a trial-to-hire situation with the right candidate, as they will not be in town for trials until Labor Day. You'll need to be up-to-date on all the Covid vaccines and have or willing to get flu shot, etc. as the teen is immunocompromised. This is a chance to work with a really fun and creative family in a super great position. Apply today!

The Ideal Sitter for this Job

FLEXIBILITY! You're an easy going person who is ideally attracted to this position because it sounds like fun and is maybe even in-line with some of your professional goals. If you're laid back, ready to help however you can, and ready for a position where each day might look a little different, this one is for you. You should feel comfortable with the bulk of this position being with their son, and an ideal candidate can find the teachable moment in everyday situations and share in his interests. Mom says that an Occupational Therapist in training or some special needs experience would come in very hand but it's also not required.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, afternoons. Hours are flexible but will start with school pick-up. While they're not sure of the exact schedule, they are happy to guarantee 20 hours per week. They can flex up to 25-30 hours/week for the right person, if you need more! **The family would like one to two later nights, like date nights, included per/week but can otherwise be flexible.

About the Children

Boy, 16: He loves, loves, loves music and he plays the drums and piano. He and his Dad are known to frequently jam. He would also love to jam with you! He's also a long time, obsessed Mets, fan and talks about baseball frequently. He loves basketball. He always wants a sports update! Sports is the big way he connects with his friends at school. His fine motor skills are delayed (for example, he wears shoes without laces, pants that he can pull on and off). His conversation skills are not what you’d expect with a neurotypical teenager, but he’s very positive and funny. He has been in speech therapy for years and can hold a conversation. He has encyclopedic knowledge! Girl, 7: Highly precocious. She's super creative and writes her own comic books. Mom describes her as the opposite of her brother. She can be slow to warm up to new people but opens up when she gets to know you. She’s starting at a new school in the fall, which is a big transition for her. She's transitioning from private school to public school, where she doesn't know anybody, so they expect some patience will be needed as she adjusts.

Responsibilities

This family has hadn't any childcare since the pandemic began, so they're really looking forward to somebody new! The first few months will be a bit of an adjustment while you both figure out what the day-to-day looks like. Primarily, they're looking for somebody who can help the teenage boy as a support and companion for the son. You’ll be work with him on independence skills. An example could be crossing the street or riding the subway (How do you stand on the subway platform? How do you pay?). The goal is to get him to the next level of independence, like walking home from school or staying home alone for 30 minutes. An ideal candidate can find the teachable moment in everyday situations and be a companion to the son and share in his interests. The second part of the position is being a more traditional family assistant and pitching in where it's needed. They may ask you to transport one of the kids to swimming or piano lessons and facilitate homework help. Family assistant tasks may include last minute grocery shopping, walking the dog, and dinner prep.

Additional Information

They have a house in the Berkshires that the LOVE and spend a lot of time at. They may ask you to go with them on occasion. You are 100% required to be up to date on all of your Covid vaccines, Flu Shot, and any other vaccines as the teenager is immunocompromised. This is non-negotiable. They are also looking for one to two later nights/week.