Support Person/Buddy

Department Overview:

Hi! I’m Amy Guenthner, mother of Brian and founder of BIG Support & Care. (Brian’s middle name is Irving…so…pretty clever org name, huh?)

What’s the mission of BIG Care & Support? Yeah…It’s really my mission as his mother. :)

To feel as relaxed and at ease as possible when I am not with Brian.

How is that possible?

First, by finding people who are kind and patient and interested in supporting a unique 19-yr-old guy with a variety of needs. And second, explaining what he has (diagnoses), what each diagnosis means (symptoms), and how to best manage them.

How will it be implemented?

First, by having a virtual Meet & Chat. Second, by having an informational session…wait for it…a BIG informational session. Lol

FYIs:

The Meet & Chat is virtual and lasts no more than 15-minutes (definitely informal).

The BIG Informational Session is in-person and lasts 2 hours (paid, but also informal).

Anticipated Start Date

10/28/24

Anticipated End Date

5/2/25

Anticipated Hours Per Week

0 to 10

Schedule:

Number of hours per week and shift times will vary and be determined based on when I need someone to watch Brian and whether you’re available. The scheduling process will simply be my sending you a text proposing an available “shift” (date and time, of course) and your sending me a message back with a YES or NO. That’s it!

Salary/Wage Range:

Hourly $20.00 to $25.00

Number Of Positions

5

Position Summary/Job Duties:

This job would involve providing support to our special-needs son. Brian has an intellectual disability, so although he is chronologically 19 years old, his mental age is around 4-5 years. Brian also has Tourettic OCD, which (as you may have guessed) is a combination of Obsessive-Compulsive disorder and Tourette Disorder. And last, his most invisible disability is epilepsy, which means he has seizures—but they are not convulsive seizures. He will just stare and be “out of it”/unresponsive for bit, so no need for any kind of special medical assistance. The combination of these three diagnoses makes Brian quite unique.

Still interested? If so, here’s more information…

Brian is mobile and does not need help with any type of physical transferring. However, he does struggle with motor skills that are a bit more tricky. The one you should know about up front is having to check that he wiped well after pooping. This won’t bother or embarrass Brian (no inhibition), but if it’s something you’re not okay with (which is understandable, of course!) this wouldn’t be the position for you…so best wishes as you continue your job-search! :)

Another thing you should know up front: Brian likes to go places, so you would need to be comfortable with driving and okay with having him in your car. Mileage reimbursement? You bet! $0.65/mile

Other qualifications? Hmmm…it’s mainly specific personality traits that I’m looking for. You’ll definitely need patience, but you must also be someone who can “go with it” and can easily pivot—as well as remain (or at least appear) calm. Oh, and absolutely feeling comfortable with open and honest communication.

I’d say I’ve given you a gist of what the overall job is, so please reach out if you’d like to set up a "Meet and Chat."

Qualifications:

The qualifications I am looking for are included in the Job Description. :)

Application Instructions:

Send me an email with the following:

1. A sentence or two about why you're interested in learning more about this position.

2. Five dates and times that you'd be available for "Meet and Chat" (a virtual meeeting for us to chat...will be no more than 15 minutes)

EMAIL: markamyg@charter.net

Thanks!

Contact:

Org: BIG Care & Support
Contact: Amy Guenthner
Email: markamyg@charter.net
Apply