The following are sample interview questions to help with screening potential respite providers. Remember to keep in mind how much time you will have for questions and answers and limit your interview questions accordingly. Discuss rates and payment procedures. (If these are determined by a publicly-funded program, it is important that both the provider and the family have this information.)
- Why are you interested in providing respite care services?
- Tell us about your education and/or experience as a respite care provider.
- Do you have CPR, first aid, and/or medication administration training?
- Do you have any special training or experience you would like me to be aware of?
- Have you had any experience caring for a person with (the particular illness or disability of our family member)?
- Describe your strengths. How would you describe yourself?
- Why did you leave your last position?
- What do you like best about this work?
- What do you like least about this work?
- How do you believe difficult behaviors should be managed?
- Are you willing to take my loved one out on activities?
- Do you have a valid driver’s license?Do you have your own transportation and car insurance?
- Are you willing to have a criminal background check done?
- Do you have any health problems that could affect your ability to do this job?
- Would you be comfortable with changing diapers for adolescents or adults?
- How would you know if my loved one likes a particular food or activity if he cannot speak?
- What would you do if we disagreed about something? How shall we give each other feedback?
- If my loved one had to be taken to the hospital for an emergency, what steps would you take?
- What would you do if you found a loved one with an open bottle you suspect is poison?
- What situations make you tense or nervous?
- Describe a difficult situation you’ve had to handle with a child or an adult. How did you handle it?
- This position will require that you make independent decisions. Can you give an example of a situation in which you made a job-related independent decision?
- Why are you the right person for the job?
- Do you smoke?
- Are you comfortable working with pets in the home?
- What hours are you able to work? During the day, weekends, holidays? Are there specific times when you are unable to work? How much prior notice do you require before scheduling?