How to Find Jobs in Group Homes
A group home is designed for children or adults with chronic disabilities. They often are private homes or apartments that have been converted for people with disabilities who need 24-hour supervision and care.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for social and human service assistants is expected to be excellent through at least 2016 because of an increasing number of group homes and the high turnover rate. Depending on state and local requirements, many jobs might be available to those with only a high school diploma or GED. Better opportunities will be available to those with specialized training, such as from a community college or vocational center.
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Instructions
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Consult newspapers and online job sites for postings. Jobs might include Direct Care Worker, Caregiver and Group Home Aide, among others.
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Read the job description carefully. Determine whether the hours and working conditions are acceptable. Some group homes require employees to work split shifts, midnight shifts, weekends or holidays.
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Consider the qualifications. Do you have the required licenses or certificates? Can you pass a criminal background check?
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Contact the group home, following the directions in the posting. You might be asked to submit a resume or complete a job application.
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If contacted for an interview, dress to impress. Follow standard interview etiquette, and arrive a few minutes early.
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During the interview, you might be given a tour of the group home. Pay attention to environment. Are the residents generally happy and content? Are they clean? Are there any residents who seem particularly challenging? Do the staff members seem pleasant and relaxed?
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During the interview, answer all questions truthfully and completely. Explain any gaps in employment and any physical or scheduling limitations. Consider whether the wages and benefits offered are acceptable.
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If you are offered a position and accept it, follow all instructions for orientation, criminal background checks, etc. Keep copies of all records.
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Tips & Warnings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for social and human service assistants (including group home employees) was about $25,580 in 2006--about 12 per hour for a full-time worker.
Group home residents can be aggressive. Some might have criminal records, mental illness, addictions or family issues. Consider your ability to work with such people.
Working in a group home is demanding because it involves working with people who might not be able to communicate their needs and who can be difficult to lift, feed or dress. Many consider group home caregivers to be poorly paid, but caregivers often find the work emotionally rewarding.
Because of the need for 24-hour care, group home employees must be reliable. They must report for all shifts as much as possible. They must remain alert during the entire shift to assure the safety of the residents.
References
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Comments
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My name is Ngozi Nwankwo. I am 57yrs old. I have CNA lincese since 2006 and since then, I have been working Nursing homes, Assisted living homes and Group homes, to mention but a few. I do this job because of the love and interest I have in helping the seniors and the less privileadged, live a comfortable life. I am dedicated and deligent to my job. I have never had any record of abuse, negeligence or exploitation althrough the myears I have worked till date, and I pray that with God on my side< I will not have one. If given thee opportunity, I promise to do my best to help any senior and group home that will assigned to me. I have High School Diplpma, so communication will not be a problem.
