Companion/Respite Provider for young teen boy

Monday - Friday daytime/evening hours possible for 3-4 hour (or longer) shifts flexible between 9M and 8PM starting now. Work as little as 5 hours per week or as much as 25 hours. Some weekend shifts are possible and appreciated: Saturdays or Sundays, times and day flexible. I'm happy to schedule shifts for the time and duration that work for you! This could be a set schedule or intermittent hours. 

Hi, I'm seeking a fun, lighthearted, laid back, patient, grounded person to provide companion care for my son mostly in our home while I am busy nearby or running an errand. 

Care may involve enjoying his current hobbies alongside him (creating fantasy worlds, poker/CATAN/Risk, switch games, coding/AI/raspberry pi, outings to the local park/coffee shop/thrift store, building stuff, crafting stuff, cooking, etc). There may be times when you bring a book/study while he does his thing nearby and you are available for support/questions.

My son is smart, wildly creative and has a fun sense of humor. He also has a slow mental processing speed, thought rigidity and sensory sensitivities. He benefits from someone who is secure, patient and easy going and can help model regulation, transitions to next activities, and give support by breaking projects down at his speed.

Please be comfortable with challenging behaviors (this means he can have tantrums that look like a 2 year old would have when he becomes frustrated.) These stem from frustration when he is struggling to recognize/communicate a need and is feeling "uncomfortable." Respite time is set up to be low demand, chill time to help minimize struggles but training will be provided to help you respond to such situations.

No experience needed (though it is appreciated); I'm more than happy to train you and stay nearby until a comfort level is reached. You'll be part of his respite team so other providers will help model the role for you as well and overlap sometimes in providing care.

Pay starts at $18 per hour and is paid through Dane County UCP. We have two sweet goldendoodle dogs in the home.

This is a great position for either someone who either just needs a side-gig and enjoys kids or has an academic interest in special ed, psychology/psychiatry, pre-med, education, social work, OT, PT, child development, etc. I'm very happy to share aspects of his care plan and goals that would interest you and involve you with his care team as you would like. Further, this position has the opportunity to be supported by UCP as an internship if you are interested.

Must be able to drive to our home in Monona or get fancy and figure out the bus route to Monona. My son struggles with sensory overload so we've found we aren't a good match for smokers, thanks.

Please contact me by text at 608-316-5626  to express interest. Email can be send to gmeghann@gmail.com to share a resume, etc. Thanks!