Why Work at Sunnyside?
At Sunnyside Community Services Inc., being a respite worker is more than a job — it is a calling. Founded in 2018 by Maria C. Parra, our company was built on the belief that the people who support our clients deserve a workplace that values them as much as they value their clients. If you are someone who finds deep fulfillment in helping others, Sunnyside may be the right home for your career.
Our team has grown from a small group of passionate individuals into a team of 18 dedicated respite workers, and we are always looking for the right people to join us. We serve families across Bonita, the South Bay, and all of San Diego County, and every visit we make is an opportunity to brighten someone's day.
Employment Qualifications
All applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a valid California driver's license
- Must pass DOJ/FBI fingerprinting (Live Scan background check)
- Must hold current CPR and First Aid certification — Sunnyside reimburses the cost of your certification on your first payday
What We Look for in Respite Workers
Technical qualifications are important, but at Sunnyside we put a premium on personal qualities. The best respite workers we have ever worked with share these traits:
- Warmth and genuine kindness — the ability to connect with children and adults with developmental disabilities on a human level and make them feel comfortable, valued, and respected
- Reliability and punctuality — showing up on time, every time, because families depend on us
- Patience — understanding that some days move slowly, and that is okay. Taking the time needed to do things right
- Attention to detail — noting changes in a client's condition, mood, or routine, and communicating those observations back to the family and to our team
- Adaptability — every client is different. Being willing to learn new routines, adjust to new environments, and handle unexpected situations calmly
- Compassion — caring about the person, not just the tasks. Remembering that behind every respite plan is a human being with a lifetime of experiences
What We Offer
When you join the Sunnyside team, you are joining a family-oriented company that invests in its people:
- Competitive pay — we believe our respite workers earn what they are worth
- Flexible scheduling — choose the shifts and hours that fit your life
- Ongoing training — we provide orientation, continuing education, and support so you can grow in your role
- CPR & First Aid reimbursement — we pay you back for your certification on your first payday
- Small team environment — you will not get lost in a large corporate structure. Our leadership knows every team member by name
- Meaningful work — every day, you will make a tangible difference in the life of a child or adult with a developmental disability and the peace of mind of a family
- Local community focus — work close to home in Bonita and San Diego County, serving neighbors in their own homes
Our Respite Team Culture
Sunnyside's culture is built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared purpose. CEO Abraham Dominguez leads from the front, working alongside the team and staying involved in every decision. Our respite workers feel heard, supported, and appreciated — and that shows in the quality of support they deliver.
We celebrate our team members' contributions, both big and small. Whether it is a respite worker who goes the extra mile to help a client discover a new hobby, or someone who consistently receives glowing feedback from a family, we recognize the difference you make.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the Sunnyside Community Services Inc. team, we would love to hear from you. You can apply in one of the following ways:
- Email us at info@sunnysideservicessd.com and ask about current openings
- Fill out our contact form and let us know you are interested in a respite worker position
When you apply, we will set up a time to talk about your experience, your interests, and how Sunnyside might be a good fit for you. We aim to make the hiring process as warm and straightforward as the support we provide.