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Respite Worker Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Mental Health Worker

Meriden, CT · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Job Summary Provides direct care to clients in Respite and in the Crisis area and answers 24-hour ... Previous experience working with age-specific patient population, in either a mental health or ...

Community Health Worker

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

... regarding Respite Care for caregivers. * Mental Health; promote referral to primary care or ... workers, external business partners and the community. Physical Demands: The physical demands ...

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Respite Worker information

See Connecticut salary details

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How much do respite worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for respite worker in Connecticut is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a respite worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Respite Worker, you need knowledge of caregiving techniques, basic first aid, and experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs, often supported by relevant certifications such as CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with care plans, documentation systems, and communication tools is typically required. Strong empathy, patience, and effective interpersonal skills help build trust and provide emotional support to clients and their families. These skills ensure safe, compassionate, and reliable care, allowing primary caregivers peace of mind and clients a positive experience.

What is the difference between Respite Worker vs Personal Support Worker?

AspectRespite WorkerPersonal Support Worker
CredentialsOften requires a high school diploma and basic caregiving trainingRequires a diploma or certificate in Personal Support Worker programs
Work EnvironmentProvides temporary relief in clients' homes or care facilitiesProvides ongoing personal care and support in clients' homes or facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by home care agencies, community organizations, and familiesEmployed by healthcare facilities, home care agencies, and private clients

Respite Workers focus on providing temporary relief to primary caregivers, offering short-term support in various settings. Personal Support Workers provide ongoing, hands-on personal care and assistance. While both roles require caregiving skills, Respite Workers typically work on a temporary basis, whereas Personal Support Workers have more continuous responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by respite workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Respite Workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to diverse client needs, managing behavioral issues, and balancing emotional boundaries while providing compassionate care. It is important to communicate openly with families and supervisors to clarify expectations and receive support. Utilizing ongoing training, peer collaboration, and self-care strategies can help manage stress and ensure high-quality care for clients. Staying organized and flexible also helps in responding to changing circumstances typical in this role.

What is a respite worker?

A respite worker provides short-term assistance for families that care for loved ones full-time at home. Caring for a sick or elderly family member is exhausting and may have a physical and emotional toll on the primary caregiver. Families hire respite workers to give these caregivers a break from health care responsibilities and allow them to recharge. As a respite worker, you may be scheduled to work with a patient for a few hours or for as long as a whole weekend. Your job duties may include driving the patient to doctor appointments, picking up medications from the pharmacy, helping the patient with personal hygiene routines and meal times, administering medications, and assisting with physical therapy exercises.

What are the duties of a respite worker?

A respite worker provides temporary care and support to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or special needs, helping with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. They also offer companionship, monitor safety, and assist with behavioral or developmental needs, often working in clients' homes or care facilities. Certification in first aid and CPR is typically required, and strong communication and patience are essential skills for the role.
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What job categories do people searching Respite Worker jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Respite Worker jobs in Connecticut are:
What are popular job titles related to Respite Worker jobs in CT? For Respite Worker jobs in CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Respite Worker job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,431 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Weekend Direct Support Professional, Benhaven Respite

Benhaven Inc

North Haven, CT • On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Per diem

Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

The Respite Center is looking for a Per Diem DSP. The respite program is open from Fridays at 1 pm until Mondays at 11 am, and staff for this role report to the Respite Center Manager.

Status/Hours: Per Diem

Schedule: Per Diem: Fridays at 1 pm – Monday at 11 am

Responsibilities:

The following duties are assigned to this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • To build rapport with each respite guest and their family to facilitate a safe, enjoyable, and interactive experience while in respite care
  • Work closely with clinician and program manager to understand and implement Behavior Support Plans for the youth who is attending respite for that given weekend.
  • Provide leadership on shift as needed
  • Be an active team member in planning activities for the respite guests after consulting the Leisure Interest Survey completed by the individual and his or her family. Group activities might include community trips to museums, movies, fairs, the beach, or special community events occurring during the guests' visit.
  • All DSP’s will ensure safety for everyone in the environment and assist with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
  • Required to successfully obtain Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Medication Certification and comply with DDS standards to maintain DDS Medication Certification in good standing.

The Benhaven Respite Center supports youth ages 8 – 20 who are enrolled in the Behavioral Support Program (BSP) through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Our respite center is designed to provide planned respite to families to allow time to reenergize, focus on other family members, engage in personal, social, or routine activities and tasks that may otherwise be postponed or curtailed due to the responsibilities of caring for their family member.

The Benhaven Respite Center is open Fridays at 1 pm – Monday morning at 11 am and is able to support up to 4 youth at a time. The youth attending the respite center will enjoy a fun-filled weekend of activities and events designed for them and the interests of the group for the weekend. The focus of each weekend is to ensure our respite guests are enjoying their stay by:

  • participating in community activities,
  • making new friends and maintaining friendships,
  • having fun,
  • doing activities within the group they enjoy,
  • making good choices, and
  • learning/experiencing new activities.

Position Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check
  • Valid CT driver's license
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Standard Benefits:

  • Sick days (accrued)
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Employee Discounts (Tickets-At-Work, Verizon, Alliance College discounts, etc.)
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Mutual of America 403b & 401a