I love the flexibility I have with my schedule! My boss also understands that I'm in school and will give me time off if I need to.
What I wish was different
I wish that there would be an easier way to switch shifts with others.
Advice
Always come into work with a positive attitude: you are working with children who have special needs! They may be sensitive to subtle changes in their routines, so try to have a consistent routine if possible.
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Special Needs Nanny
May - August 2019 • Woodbridge, VA
What I liked
I loved being able to work with my kid and help him develop his speech and grow.
What I wish was different
I wish that I was used more appropriately. Sometimes I was asked to deep clean their bath toys and once I watched all triplets while the dad was gone all day (and the mom was out of town). I was specifically a nanny for the one child with special needs, not all 3.
Advice
It was great, and I really bonded with my kid so much. However, it was really difficult to leave that job because I became so attached to the kids.
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Caretaker
August 2018 • Imperial, MO
What I liked
I love assisting disabled individuals in achieving independence.
What I wish was different
Being able to work more with that job instead of working two others simultaneously to afford college.
Advice
Be patient!
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Autism Personal Care Attendant
June 2019 • Fredericksburg, VA
What I liked
Everything about this job was perfect.
What I wish was different
nothing
Advice
Take the time to learn each child and how they are communicating with you.
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Home Health Attendant
June 2018 • New Castle, VA
What I liked
I liked being able to help people with disabilities and their families, as a way to gain experience about my current field of study, which is music therapy.
What I wish was different
I have no complaints about the job. It is very personable which is the most important thing to me regarding jobs.
Advice
Always be ready for changes in plans. Since you are working around an entire family's needs, abrupt changes occur often, and is important to be versatile in these situations.
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Childcare Attendant
August 2017 • Fredericksburg, VA
What I liked
How flexible they are with your schedule
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
ABA is a plus when working with special needs kids. Know what the employer wants you to focus on with child.
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Self directed employer
July 2019 • Sussex, NJ
What I liked
I got to gain experience working with people with developmental disabilities, which will help me when I become an occupational therapist.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Person Care Assistant
January 2019 • Chesterfield, MO
What I liked
Love my client and how close I've become with the family.
Being able to see PT in new ways and practice ahead of my peers.
What I wish was different
nothing
Advice
Our job is truly to help our client live their best life, and allowing them to make choices is huge
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Companion
March 2018 • Maryville, TN
What I liked
The schedule is super flexible. You learn how to be an advocate
What I wish was different
Advice
It opens your eyes to the hardness of life when you have a disability, doesn't matter if it's a mental or physical disability. Be ready to be the best advocate you can be.
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Patient Care Attendant
May - August 2018 • Nokesville, VA
What I liked
I loved the hands on experience I gained from working with a child with many different special needs - the work that was required in order to truly connect with him was taxing but so worthwhile. I also enjoyed the things I learned from attending a huge variety of medical and therapy appointments with him.
What I wish was different
More flexible hours.
Advice
Be patient, understanding, and flexible! This is so important.
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Caregiver
November 2017 • Lawrence Township, NJ
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Being a social work minor, working as a caregiver as a freshman was really eye-opening in the field that I plan on going into.
