Position Title:  House Parent
Schedule: 7 Days On / 7 Days Off

Department:  Direct Care

Supervisor:  Program Director/Residential Supervisor(s)

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Job Summary: 

The House Parent will live in the residence with the children and will provide youth with a strong parental role model while implementing a professional family-style program that emphasizes skill acquisition and personal development and a safe and secure environment in which to grow and learn.  The House Parent will be involved in teaching social skills, self-help skills, academic skills, and independent living skills.  The House Parent administers the day-to-day operations of a family residence including documentation, domestic responsibilities, transportation and other assigned duties. House Parents will be considered the primary caregivers for all children in the house. 

Job Responsibilities:

The following duties and responsibilities are given as examples of the various types of work performed in this position.

• Provide oversight for all childcare responsibilities in the house to ensure a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all children.
• Supervises, trains, and is a role model for youth in areas of personal hygiene, medical and dental care, and in utilizing general safety precautions.
• Abides by agency policies in discipline, family and youth rights, child abuse andmaintaining confidentiality youth and other program information.
• Encourages youth to explore vocational interests and career opportunities and to develop expressed areas of interest.
• Sets an example, teaching and evaluating proper work habits through on and/or off campus work experience and money management skills.
• Participates and provides input as a team member in developing and carrying out the child’s plan of service.
• Encourages, participates in, and organizes physical activities as an alternative to passive entertainment.
• Maintains the assigned house, equipment, and its grounds, in an attractive and functional manner.
• Manages the fiscal accountability of the house, by planning ahead and purchasing routine supplies as needed; assures the smooth functioning of the house by following the stated policies and procedures of A Kid’s Place.
• Keep and maintain accurate records of expenditures and children’s personal monthly allowances.
• Completes weekly meal menus in accordance with Health Department nutritional standards and participates in the preparation of meals. 
• Accurately completes all necessary paperwork and submits it on time.
• Transport children to and from school, doctor appointments, and other functions as needed for the program.  Assistance in transportation may be provided; it will be the House Parents responsibility for their designated house.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• At least 21 years of age.
• Good driving record.
• One to three years’ experience within social services or child welfare; precious House Parent experience preferred.
• Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills and the ability to plan and coordinate activities and transportation requests.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills; must be culturally sensitive and able to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of personnel.
• A concern for children and the ability and desire to work and live with children.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs to include Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Must have the ability and willingness to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.  Must be able to communicate effectively with staff and children.
• Must be able to establish and maintain warm, consistent relationships with youth, guardians and other individuals working with A Kid’s Place team.
• Must be skilled at maintaining acceptable tolerance levels for youth behaviors. Must have the ability to model and teach appropriate social skills, dress codes, language, and public behaviors.
• Must have a high degree of endurance and have the ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations.  Ability to exhibit emotional control, patience and persistence in extremely stressful situations.
• Must have good organizational skills and time management abilities.
• Individual is required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear, use hands and fingers, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.  May also occasionally need to lift or move 0-30 pounds. 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background screening.
• The ability to work and comply with all EEOC rules collaboratively, respectfully and to accepting constructive criticism from management with dignity and respect.

Organization Details