Your Role
Parents or primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities often struggle to find someone who can help them care for their child. They are often tired and worn down.
As a respite worker, you will provide respite and supported living services for individuals with disabilities on the DSPD Medicaid waiver by helping your new friends explore hobbies, learn skills, and take them out into the community. You can bring joy, hope, and relief to their families!
Our Program
Funded by a grant from DSPD, the Utah Prader-Willi Syndrome Association—in partnership with Tanner Dance at the University of Utah—has created the UtahRespite.Care program to recruit, train, and connect qualified respite workers with DSPD-funded families.
During the initial phase of this program in 2024, respite workers provided over 2,000 hours of respite care for Utah families.
Benefits
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Flexible job with a pay rate up to $22 per hour.
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$2,000 stipend for completing program requirements.
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Travel stipend for your commuting time.
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Additional $1,000 travel stipend for rural county participants to attend in-person training.
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Potential internship credit with financial assistance.
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Potential capstone project credit with financial assistance.
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Build lasting relationships and networking opportunities.
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Learn life skills and gain valuable experience.
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Find fulfillment in making a difference.
Please Note: UtahRespite.Care reserves the right to give the stipends in accordance with the program objectives of the grant.
Participation Requirements
Respite workers who have previously participated in this program are encouraged to apply and create an online profile, so participating families can find and hire them. These individuals are not eligible to receive another stipend or attend our in-person training.
1. Background Check
Must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and be able to pass a background check.
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4. Complete Training
7. Get Hired
Get hired by at least one DSPD-funded family and provide respite care for an individual with disabilities for a minimum of 2 hours per week (hopefully more!).​
2. Complete Application
Click the "Apply" button and fill out the UtahRespite.Care respite worker application.
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5. In-Person Training
Attend a two-day in-person conference, which includes side-by-side training at Tanner Dance at the University of Utah campus.
8. Online Meeting
Attend an online meeting with other respite workers who are participating in the UtahRespite.Care program.
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3. Be Accepted
Up to 60 respite worker applicants will be interviewed and selected to participate in the 2025 UtahRespite.Care training and matching program.​
6. Online Profile
Share your profile information with DSPD-funded families on the members-only UtahRespite.Care respite worker directory.
9. Complete Survey
Complete a feedback survey about your experience with the UtahRespite.Care program.
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