24 Special Needs Caregiver Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: May 12, 2023

Here are 24 possible interview questions and answers that you can ask when interviewing an individual for this position:

Special Needs Caregiver Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself?
I am a college graduate in psychology, working as a Special needs Caregiver for the past 2 years. I have handled clients with physical as well as mental special needs effectively. I am first aid and CPR certified and hold a driver’s license.

2. Why do you want this job?
I want this job because your company is very near to my residence. I am really inspired by what I have heard about the services you provide to clients with special needs.

3. Why did you choose this profession?
I grew up with a special needs sibling and I chose this profession because I was very much interested in it. I have observed special needs persons very carefully and I believe I was inclined towards this field of work because of the satisfaction I drove from being able to help someone.

4. What qualifies you as a special needs caregiver?
In addition to my formal training in handling children and adults with special needs, I am a compassionate person who understands the difficulties people with special needs have to face. I am calm and patient, two qualities that I believe define the essence of a special needs caregiver’s work.

5. Let me give you a situation. How would you handle a child with special needs in a shopping mall?
My first instinct would be the safety of the child. I’d focus on increasing the money and counting skills of the child. I would also teach them social skills involving communication, decision-making, self-management, and relationship-building.

6. What do you believe caregiving encompasses?
In a situation where caregiving is for a person with special needs, I believe there is a lot that it encompasses. This includes behavior redirection, companionship, interaction, assistance with learning activities, and after-school care.

7. Working with people who have special needs is challenging especially when their needs are forever changing. How do you adapt to that?
I am aware of the ever-changing needs of people with special needs. Adapting to these needs is very important. Since I am knowledgeable of the fact that these needs will vary, I am ready for the change as and when it comes. Caregivers are given constant training to handle situations such as this.

8. What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?
Six months back I was assigned a special needs client who was a college student in his final year. He was struggling with psychological issues as well as physical disability. He was nonresponsive and severely depressed. I worked very hard with him and I believe my companionship helped a lot in his recovery. That particular case so far is my biggest professional achievement.

9. Tell me about the last time a client got angry with you? How did you handle the situation?
An elderly client got very angry with me because he did not like to exercise and when I suggested it he would come up with excuses. I listened to all he had to say and then when he was calm, I explained the importance of exercise in his condition. He was more cooperative after that.

10. Tell me how you think other people would describe you?
Other people would generally describe me as an empathetic, understanding, helpful, and compassionate person who is very responsible, organized, and punctual.

11. What can we expect from you in your first three months?
You can expect me to deliver excellent care to your special needs clients in three months’ time. Clients I build rapport with once usually ask for me specifically the next time.

12. What is your biggest weakness?
Sometimes I fail to segregate my personal and professional life and work extra hours just to ensure the client’s comfort which is ok for the clients but has a negative impact on my family life in the long run.

13. Share a difficult situation you faced. How did you handle it? 
During my first year of work as a special needs caregiver, I was accompanying a client to a social visit where he had a seizure. Thanks to the first aid training I had received I handled the situation nicely and provided the basic care needed until the arrival of the ambulance.

14. What do you believe caregiving encompasses?
I believe caregiving encompasses all aspects of daily life, assisting them in all tasks of routine while maintaining their dignity is what special needs caregiving is all about.

15. How do you adapt to the ever-changing needs of special needs clients?
In this profession, as we deal with people from different backgrounds, we need to be flexible. I handle my job by being prepared at all times for any change or increase in demands of the client and by assisting them with the same.

16. Do you have any experience with autistic children? What kind of care do autistic kids need?
Yes, I have been working with autistic children. They are moody and want things done their way. With autistic children, the biggest challenge is to ensure their safety and handle their mood swings by understanding what is bothering them and removing it.

17. How do you document your client’s progress?
I keep a file with me and enter my reflections at visit end. I also keep a record of food and medication consumed by the client during my shift.

18. What would you do if you feel that the significant other of the client is not as involved as they need to be?
I would talk to them in an objective manner and explain to them how the client can benefit if they could make a bit more time.

19. What is holistic care and how you can deliver that?
Holistic care means caring for all aspects of the client’s life. It is possible through coordination with and cooperation of the client’s family and partners/ parents /friends etc.

20. How do you transport a physically disabled client from one place to another?
I use a wheelchair for clients after fastening all the supports. I am also well-versed in setting up and using motorized wheelchairs that can be fitted inside cars for long-distance journeys.

21. Share an experience where you helped a client do certain tasks independently?
Last year I had a client who was physically disabled, I enabled him to move his wheelchair on his own, grab his own meal from the kitchen and brush his teeth independently through a lot of effort and exercise.

22. How well do you work with others on a team of caregivers?
I am a sociable worker and I usually get along very well with my colleagues. I also like to share the
latest research news in the field with my co-workers.

23. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years’ time, I see myself working as one of the best special needs caregivers in your company.

24. What questions do you have for me?
I would like to know what kind of special needs patients you mostly cater to.

2 thoughts on “24 Special Needs Caregiver Interview Questions and Answers

  1. VELILY LEGWAILA

    this is very helpful and important. Please email this to the email provided below.
    Thank You in Advance

    Reply
    1. Sam Post author

      Dear VELILY LEGWAILA:

      Thank you for your interest. Email sent.

      Reply

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