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Respite Worker Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Respite Worker

Worcester, MA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

The Respite worker carries out all the duties associated with providing care for individuals on behalf of program clients under contract with DDS for Family Support Services. Respite is a closed ...

Guided by these principles and through in home support, the Family Support Respite Worker ensures that all families are treated with dignity and respect and given opportunity to reach the goal of ...

Family Support DDS Respite - Per Diem

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Guided by these principles and through in home support, the Family Support Respite Worker ensures that all families are treated with dignity and respect and given opportunity to reach the goal of ...

Soil Sort Worker

Worcester, MA ยท On-site

$15.25/hr

The Soil Sort Worker is responsible for sorting incoming soiled laundry in preparation for the laundry process. Soil Sort staff work as a team, with each member operating one station, occasionally ...

Respite Provider Location: Communitas has families in need of Respite Care all around the Middlesex ... Develop and maintain supportive working relationships with program members * Maintaining strict ...

Respite Provider

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Respite Provider Location: Communitas has families in need of Respite Care all around the Middlesex ... Develop and maintain supportive working relationships with program members * Maintaining strict ...

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Respite Worker information

See Massachusetts salary details

$10

$19

$26

How much do respite worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for respite worker in Massachusetts is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Respite Worker jobs in Massachusetts?

For Respite Worker jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Respite Worker jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Respite Worker jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Respite Worker jobs in MA?

For Respite Worker jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Respite Worker job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, 62% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,529 per year, or $19 per hour.

Respite Worker

Centro Las Americas

Worcester, MA โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Respite worker carries out all the duties associated with providing care for individuals on behalf of program clients under contract with DDS for Family Support Services. Respite is a closed referral service that must be authorized by the area office. In addition, this person is responsible for identifying and accessing resources to support and assist the program participants and their families, and for maintaining direct communication with DDS directly (when appropriate) and supervisory staff, as well as the Assistant Director.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Respite work is designed to provide but is not limited to relief for caregivers, and provide social and recreational opportunities for clients. These activities should be part of a support plan approved by DDS and they should assist the client in gaining resiliency, independency, and developing social skills. The candidate should be able to provide assistance and expertise in a variety of areas. It is anticipated there be a relationship built between the staff, client, and the family in order to be responsive to family stressors as they arise and provide quality service to the client.
  • Program Management: Responsible for maintaining program quality. This includes, but is not limited to: participating in staff orientation and training, client performance and monitoring, and ensuring adherence to the service plan and family needs. The Respite Worker is also responsible for maintaining accurate documentation of their interaction with clients and family members. The visit should be documented on the Respite Service Report Sheet.
  • CENTRO Respite Services' purpose is to provide the primary caretaker with an opportunity to attend to his or her own personal needs or take a break from the routine care and supervision of his or her family member affected by developmental disabilities.
  • A respite worker will come into the consumer's home for a specified time. The respite worker can engage the DDS member in activities within the home, take them on a social or recreational outing, accompany them to a meeting or appointment, or simply stay with the consumer while the primary caretaker leaves the home.
  • Provide respite and relief for the family and/or the primary in-home caregivers of the assigned

DDS consumers.
  • Provide for the specific care needs that are unique to the individual consumer.
  • Measure effectiveness of addressing specific care needs through data collection in ISP, Safety

Assessment, attendance/service report logs, and time sheets.
  • Measurable satisfaction of in-home caregivers (receiving respite) and consumers through the addressing of specific care needs. It will be reported in annual satisfaction questionnaires and semi-annual quality control calls.

Qualifications & Skills:
  • Written and oral communication skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Knowledgeable of developmental disabilities
  • Able to work in group collaboration, as well as independently
  • Self-motivated
  • Resourceful
  • Able to meet deadlines
  • Able to multi-task
  • Bi-lingual preferred

Education & Experience:
  • Minimum High School diploma or GED
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully interact and work with parents and clients with developmental disabilities.

Physical Demands:
  • Ability to be physically mobile
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, copier, or telephone, and the ability to write/type
  • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally
  • Able to attend meetings, and conferences within the region both virtually and in person.
  • Able to write reports

Mandated Reporter Statute: An individual in this position is considered a "Mandated Reporter" when on, or off duty according to MA Statutes