You’re a teacher or a recent college graduate with a whole summer ahead of you, and you still haven’t made plans. You could fall back on tutoring or a retail job again, but you would like to try a different experience that will add to your resume as well as your bank account.
Why Special Needs Caregiving is Perfect for Your Summer
Often, families need seasonal support to accommodate gaps in summer programming or to fill in for caregivers who have planned a vacation. Caregiving for individuals with disabilities - including developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, or learning differences - offers unique benefits that typical summer jobs can’t match.
More good news: There are still opportunities available that will check every box on your summer job search list.
Skills That Transfer Perfectly from Teaching to Caregiving
“If a teacher with a little time on their hands and a college grad, still figuring out what’s next, has the heart to serve, this could be a game-changer,” says Ken Coleman, author of Find the Work You’re Wired to Do! For teachers, he adds, “the skill set aligns beautifully with caregiving:”
- Patience & Adaptability – Teachers are pros at handling different needs and personalities. That’s day-one stuff for caregivers.
- Communication – Whether it’s verbal, visual, or emotional, great teachers know how to connect. That’s key in this role.
- Structure & Routine – Both classrooms and caregiving thrive on consistency. Teachers already have that playbook down.
Why New College Graduates Should Try Special Needs Caregiving
For recent college graduates, Coleman adds, “This is a test drive—a way to explore purpose while making a real impact. You don’t need a perfect plan. You need exposure, heart, and a willingness to learn.” He describes the role of a caregiver for an individual with specialized needs as “a goldmine of experience that applies to many different jobs,” requiring such traits as:
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability – You’ll learn to think quickly and find creative solutions, a skill that applies everywhere.
- Emotional Intelligence – Caregiving builds empathy and communication skills, key for any field.
- Teamwork – You’ll collaborate with a team, learning how to manage different perspectives toward a common goal.
- Patience & Resilience – These qualities will make you stand out in any job—employers love grit.
- Leadership – Being an advocate builds leadership skills that translate into any professional environment.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Caregiver Position
Whether you are a teacher or a recent college graduate who is “uncommitted” professionally, Coleman suggests asking questions to determine if a caregiver role will be the right fit:
- What is the daily routine like?
What are the day-to-day responsibilities? Does it align with your strengths and interests? - What kind of support will I receive?
In caregiving, support is crucial. Ask about training, resources, and whether you’ll work as part of a team. - How is success measured?
Make sure you understand expectations and goals. Is success about behavioral progress? Or building a relationship? - What challenges should I expect?
Caregiving is fulfilling but can have difficult moments. Being prepared for the tough days helps you stay focused on the rewarding moments. - What opportunities are there for growth?
Look for both personal and professional development opportunities.
Competitive Compensation and Beyond
The financial rewards of summer caregiving are significant. The average pay for a seasonal caregiver in Massachusetts is $18.08 (compared with $17.23 for retail positions), with many earning $20 to $25 per hour. But there are also non-monetary benefits worth considering. “Money is important, but things like growth, fulfillment, and clarity can have a huge impact on your long-term happiness in your work,” Coleman says. “I’d focus on four areas:”
- Personal Growth
You can develop new skills, gain experience, and expand your comfort zone—all of which pay dividends long after the summer’s over. - Purpose & Fulfillment
Doing work that has a deeper purpose, like caregiving, can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll feel like you’re making a real difference, and that sense of fulfillment goes beyond money. - Networking & Connections
Seasonal work can open doors for future opportunities and help you build valuable relationships that lead to long-term success. - Clarity & Direction
Especially for someone undecided on a career path, this is a chance to test out a field and gain clarity on what inspires you.
The Demand for Caregivers is High
The jobs are out there. As of May 2024, home health and personal care aids made up the largest single occupation in the US, with 4 million workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, if you haven’t begun your search, it’s time to start.
How to Prepare Your Summer Caregiver Application
- “Summer-ize” your resume. Highlight relevant experience and skills.
- Gather References. Compile letters of recommendation and a current list of referrals. If you don’t have relevant employer references, consider personal referrals from non-family members. For this type of work, character references are significant.
- Craft a Thoughtful Cover Letter. A heartfelt paragraph about why you want to work with individuals with disabilities - and how your experiences apply - is compelling.
Where to Find Summer Special Needs Caregiver Jobs
Targeted searching, networking, and leveraging the right platforms can help you find the ideal seasonal caregiver job. Here are a few places to begin:
Local & National Organizations
- Regional disability service agencies may run summer respite programs
- Special education schools or therapy centers may need seasonal help
- Elder care agencies, assisted living, and nursing homes
Networking Opportunities
- Let teachers, therapists, or families you've worked with know you’re available for summer employment
- Join local Facebook groups to let families know you are looking for summer work
- Use LinkedIn to search for caregiver jobs or message organizations directly
Online Job Search
Use specialized platforms like Rewarding Work, which is always free to job seekers, to find jobs in your area. Established more than 20 years ago, Rewarding Work was the first web-based matching service directory in the nation to focus exclusively on assisting people of all ages with disabilities. As part of the non-profit human service agency Toward Independent Living and Learning (tillinc.org), the sole mission of Rewarding Work is to connect individuals with disabilities and their families with caregivers who meet their unique needs.
Start your search today at RewardingWork.org.