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Respite Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Respite Support Professional

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17/hr

As a Respite Assistant, you will provide personal care and supervision for children with special health care needs in our clients home and out in the community. Schedule Flexible hours! Most shifts ...

Respite Support Professional

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17/hr

As a Respite Assistant, you will provide personal care and supervision for children with special health care needs in our clients home and out in the community. Schedule Flexible hours!Most shifts ...

RN/LPN Respite (PRN)

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$29 - $37.25/hr

Respite Nurse The role of a Respite Nurse is to offer one-on-one time between a child and licensed nurse within the family's home or community. Respite care is designed to give families a break from ...

RN/LPN Respite (PRN)

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

RN/LPN Respite (PRN) Nurse (ARNP, RN, LPN) Ames, Iowa Apply Description The role of a Respite Nurse is to offer one-on-one time between a child and licensed nurse within the family's home or ...

RN/LPN Respite (PRN)

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

The role of a Respite Nurse is to offer one-on-one time between a child and licensed nurse within the family's home or community. Respite care is designed to give families a break from the day-to-day ...

RN/LPN Respite (PRN)

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

The role of a Respite Nurse is to offer one-on-one time between a child and licensed nurse within the family's home or community. Respite care is designed to give families a break from the day-to-day ...

RN/LPN Respite (PRN)

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Respite care is designed to give families a break from the day-to-day care involved in raising a child with special healthcare needs. ChildServe's respite service allows parents to attend events for ...

Respite RN/LPN - Slater/Ames area (PRN)

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Respite RN/LPN - Slater/Ames area (PRN) Nurse (ARNP, RN, LPN) Ames, Iowa Apply Description The role of a Respite Nurse is to offer one-on-one time between a child and licensed nurse within the family ...

Showing results 41-60

Respite information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$16

$19

How much do respite jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for respite in Iowa is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a respite worker?

To become a respite worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete training in first aid, CPR, and caregiving skills. Some positions require background checks and relevant experience working with children or individuals with disabilities. Certification requirements vary by employer and region but often include completing a training program specific to respite care.

What are the typical challenges faced by respite care workers, and how can they be addressed?

Respite care workers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to the unique needs and routines of different clients, managing emotional stress, and balancing the expectations of family members. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and a compassionate approach are essential in overcoming these challenges. Many employers offer training, peer support, and flexible scheduling to help respite care workers maintain a healthy work-life balance and deliver high-quality care.

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, giving their primary caregivers a break. Duties often include assisting with daily activities, ensuring safety, administering medication, and engaging clients in recreational or therapeutic activities. Respite workers typically follow care plans and may require training or certification depending on the setting.

What is a respite worker?

Respite workers are caregivers who provide temporary relief to primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or special needs. Their main role is to step in and care for the individual, allowing the regular caregiver time to rest, run errands, or attend to personal matters. Respite care can take place in the home, at a care facility, or through community programs. These workers help prevent caregiver burnout and ensure that care recipients continue to receive quality support. The length and frequency of respite care can vary based on individual needs and available services.

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

To thrive as a Respite Care Worker, you need a background in caregiving, basic first aid knowledge, and relevant experience or certification in personal care assistance. Familiarity with care plans, medication management, and assistive devices is often required. Patience, compassion, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and provide emotional support to both clients and their families. These qualities ensure the well-being of individuals in your care and offer families peace of mind during their absence.

What is the difference between Respite vs Personal Care Aide?

AspectRespitePersonal Care Aide
CertificationsOften requires basic caregiving or first aid trainingRequires certifications like CPR, first aid, and sometimes specific state licenses
Work EnvironmentProvides temporary relief to primary caregivers, often in clients' homes or care facilitiesAssists clients with daily living activities in homes, healthcare facilities, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by home care agencies, respite care providers, and community organizationsEmployed by home health agencies, assisted living facilities, and private families

Respite care focuses on providing temporary relief to primary caregivers, often in clients' homes, while Personal Care Aides assist individuals with daily activities like bathing and dressing. Both roles require caregiving skills, but Personal Care Aides typically need more specific certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or care service.

Infographic showing various Respite job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,137 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Respite Program Supervisor

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Des Moines, IA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Are you looking for a career where you can make a positive impact in the lives of others? At LSI, your journey is our passion!

Our Services for People with Disabilities team is searching for a dedicated, energetic full-time Respite Program Supervisor to oversee services the Central Iowa service area. This position could be based out of the Ames or Des Moines office for the right candidate. Supervisor will provide oversight to respite providers serving Polk, Warren, Dallas, Story, Boone, Hardin, Marshall, and surrounding counties. The Iowans we serve are seeking a life of greater confidence and independence, and it's our privilege to empower them toward success every day.

This position offers a flexible schedule & does have some work from home flexibility! We are looking for someone with good communication, interpersonal, computer and organizational skills and someone who is self motivated. This position is primarily 1st shift, but may occasionally require a meeting in the evening. Some traveling required. Very supportive and fun team to work with.

What You'll Do

The purpose of respite care is to give the parent or primary caregiver a break from the daily responsibilities of caring for a child or adult with a disability. The Program Supervisor oversees our Respite Care services, and is responsible for delivering the services and supervision of Respite staff. This position will coordinate with providers, case managers and families/clients. Will review and process referrals, match clients with providers, monitor client units, participate in client annual meetings/assessments, network and market the program, do home surveys with providers, supervise providers and partake in the hiring process for new providers.

Most travel is within the local area with very random travel required to other parts of the state.

How We'll Support You

On top of joining the best team around, you can also receive:

- A competitive salary

- Comprehensive benefits

- A flexible schedule

- A 401(k)

- Generous paid time off

- Health, dental, life, and vision insurance

- Career-building opportunities

- Special Team LSI perks like pet insurance, and cell phone discounts through Verizon, LSI Scholarship

- Mileage reimbursement

What You'll Need

Qualified candidates for this job will have one of the following:

Required: High School Diploma or GED and five years of experience in human services, education or human services related field with 2 years being in a leadership position

OR Associates Degree and three years of related experience; with at least one year in a leadership role

OR Bachelor's Degree in a human services related field and one year of related experience

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in a human services related field and one year of related experience.ย Additionally, years of related experience in a supervisory or leadership role is preferred.

Who We Are

LSI is an equal opportunity employer. At LSI we respect diverse life experiences, cultures and heritages, and strive to provide that all voices are heard and valued. You can learn more about our commitment at https://lsiowa.org/who-we-are/

ย ย 

This position requires a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a good driving record and the ability to pass an extensive background check including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and a criminal history check.