Care providers to receive monthly compensation, paid vacation
New Brunswick is looking for individuals or couples who aspire to become professional caregivers to provide full-time care to children with complex needs.
“We, along with our colleagues at the Department of Health, are committed to filling the gap in the continuum of care for children who have complex needs,” said Bruce Fitch, minister of social development. “These caregivers will provide full-time, stay-at-home help for our most vulnerable children.”
The caregivers will be stationed at eight professional care homes that will be created in the different regions of the province by the end of 2021. The first phase will help determine the need for more professional care homes in the future.
Interested individuals will be thoroughly evaluated as to their interest, qualifications, skills and their parenting ability for children with complex needs.
Applicants must have experience in working with children and youth with behavioural, emotional, mental health, or complex medical needs. They will also need to demonstrate knowledge, education and skills in supporting children and youth with a range of needs.
Meanwhile, care providers will receive:
- a monthly compensation;
- child-in-care rates and benefits to cover the costs specific to the child’s care plan;
- clinical support;
- paid respite/vacation;
- crisis/emergency support;
- extensive initial training and ongoing professional development opportunities; and
- specialized services, clinical supervision and extensive support.
Interested parties can contact 1-833-998-3880 or [email protected] for more information.
The government’s initiative follows reports highlighting the gap of services for children with complex needs: Review of the Effectiveness of New Brunswick’s Child Protection System by George Savoury; Behind Closed Doors by the Child and Youth Advocate; and the 2019 auditor general report on group homes and specialized placements.
“These new professional care homes will play an important role in addressing the complex needs of children in care,” said Dorothy Shephard, minister of health. “We are pleased to be partnering with the Department of Social Development in this project and know this will help fill some of the gaps in services and help those with mental health challenges.”
