CORE | Coalition for Residential Education

Close Date: Rolling

Wears Valley Ranch is a Christian children’s home and boarding school adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. Licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Residential Child Care Agency and a Child Placing Agency, Wears Valley Ranch serves children from difficult and, in some cases, non-existent home environments. The goal of Wears Valley Ranch is to provide these children with a family environment that seeks to provide nurturing, structure, and stability. Included in services for children are: a full counseling program and a fully-accredited K-12 on-campus school program. For more information, visit www.wvr.org.

Wears Valley Ranch is currently interviewing married couples for the position of houseparents for one of our boys’ homes which will become available July 15, 2010. Responsibilities will include: supervision of eight boys, as well as tutoring the boys academically and discipling them in the Christian faith. Excellent supervision and support is provided for the houseparents. The benefits package includes: room and board, salary, medical insurance, and retirement benefits. The work schedule is 5 days on and 2 days off per week, with 3 weeks of vacation per year.

Interested couples may contact Richard Petsch, Director of Residential Services, at (865) 429-0372 or rpetsch [at] wvr [dot] org.

Close Date: Rolling

Job Snapshot:

Locations: Live Oak, FL; Bartow, FL; Safety Harbor, FL; Bradenton, FL.
Base Pay: $23,500/Year/Person
Employee Type: Full-Time
Manages Others: No
Education: High School
Experience: Not Specified
Travel: Negligible
Contact Information:
Wendy Boise at wboise [at] youthranches [dot] org or (386) 842-5501

Job Description:

Cottage parents 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. Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches‘ cottage parents teach and develop social skills, self-help skills, academic skills, and independent living skills; and foster moral and spiritual development through a broad array of activities to youth in residence. Cottage parents administer the day-to-day operations of a large family residence including various paperwork, domestic responsibilities, and other assigned duties including administrative directives. Cottage parents work closely with other child care professionals as a team in carrying out responsibilities while in the work place.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

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

• Is familiar with the overall and individual functions of each aspect of the Youth Ranches program, and cooperates as needed to assist in reaching program goals.
• Under the direction of the Unit Director, participates in the orientation and training of other direct care staff and youth.
• Maintains the assigned cottage and its grounds, equipment, vehicles, and animals in an attractive and functional manner.
• Manages the fiscal accountability of the cottage, planning ahead and purchasing routine supplies as needed; assures the smooth functioning of the cottage by following the Youth Ranches stated policies and procedures.
• Abides by agency policies in discipline, family and youth rights, child abuse and maintaining confidentiality of youth and other program information.
• Supervises, trains, and is a role model for youth in areas of personal hygiene, medical and dental care, and in utilizing general safety precautions.
• Ensures the nutritional content and supervises the preparation of cottage meals; trains youth in food item purchasing.
• 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.
• Develops a diverse cottage activity schedule and follows program-wide schedules.
• Encourages, participates in, and organizes physical activities as an alternative to passive entertainment.
• Participates and provides input as a team member in developing and carrying out the Youth Growth Plan.
• Conducts family meetings on a regular basis, ensuring involvement of all youth.
• Communicates effectively as a cottage team member with the youth’s family.
• Accurately completes all necessary paperwork and submits it on time.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Must have high school graduate or equivalent (some college credits preferred). Must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid Florida driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment, a good driving record, a concern for youth, the ability and desire to work and live with youth, and a strong desire to work in the human services field.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each area of responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

• Must have the ability to read, comprehend, and implement documents such as training manuals, policy and procedural manuals, and other pertinent material.
• Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with youth and adults.
• Must be able to write effectively and communicate in a clear, concise manner.
• Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form.
• Must possess basic knowledge of child development and family systems, and be able to establish and maintain warm, consistent relationships with youth, guardians, and other individuals working with the Youth Ranches team.
• Must possess time management skills and implement a method of time management that effectively maintains order and routine. Must demonstrate ability to organize, prioritize, and implement work activities independently.
• Must have the ability to maintain a flexible schedule.
• 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 be able to work with basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Must have a high degree of endurance and the ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations; must have the ability to exhibit emotional control, patience, and persistence in extremely stressful situations.
• Must have the ability to exhibit behaviors that are kind and nurturing in nature.
• Must have the knowledge and appreciation to teach moral, ethical, and spiritual values to youth.
• Must have good organizational skills and time management abilities.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions.

• The employee must have vision (corrected or uncorrected) well enough to read reports, motivation sheets, monitor youth, drive a vehicle, and observe discrete behaviors.
• The employee must have hearing well enough to converse on telephone and hear normal tones of conversation.
• The employee must speak well enough to teach skills, give instructions, discuss strategies, and converse on the telephone.
• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The employee must have the stamina to work prolonged hours up to a 24 hours and drive up to four hours.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must have the ability not to personalize, and the tolerance to work under adverse conditions such as constant interruptions, inappropriate behaviors, and receiving verbal and physical abuse from behaviorally impaired youngsters.

Working Conditions:

While on duty, the nature of this position requires that the employee be available 24 hours a day. The work schedule is generally 8 days on, 4 days off. Occasionally may be required to work in outdoor weather conditions. EOE; Drug-Free Workplace.

Close Date: Rolling

Glenwood School for Boys and Girls is seeking married couples for full-time houseparent positions. Glenwood School has two locations in the Chicago land area: our main campus located in the southeast suburbs of Glenwood, and our newer campus located in the western suburbs of St. Charles, Illinois. Glenwood School has a 122 year old tradition of residential and educational service to disadvantaged children and youth throughout the Chicago land area. Houseparents at Glenwood School play a central role in the care, nurturance, and social skill development of each child.

The primary role of houseparents is to provide parental-type supervision, structure, guidance, and teaching in a positive, safe, and caring environment. The ability to establish meaningful relationships with youth and parents, and the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary setting (i.e. school, recreation, counseling, etc.) is a must. Glenwood School houseparents work a full week schedule with weekends off. Houseparents are provided with personal living quarters and amenities available for their use at all times.

Glenwood School offers very competitive benefits, pay, and time off. Applicants must have valid driver’s license, be legally married, and meet family status requirements. Experience working with diverse or at-risk children and youth is an asset. College degree or related experience preferred.

Glenwood School is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

If interested in this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in need, send cover letter and resume to:

Glenwood School
Attn: Alicia Florence, Human Resources
500 West 187th Street
Glenwood, IL 60425

Email inquiries may be sent to job0708 [at] glenwoodschool [dot] org.

Close Date: Rolling

Bethesda Home for Boys, the nation’s oldest children’s home, is seeking married couples for full-time houseparent positions. Applicants should be able to understand, embrace, and model Bethesda’s mission of a love of God, a love of learning, and a strong work ethic. Houseparents at Bethesda Home for Boys play an important role in the development of its young men. Their primary responsibility as a houseparent couple is to actively teach students both independent living skills and self-responsbility. Every day presents opportunities to develop a safe, positive, caring environment that is conducive to fostering meaningful relationships and instilling Christian values.

Candidates should have demonstrated successful work and/or volunteer experience with children in a school, residential, athletic, counseling, recreational, or spiritual setting. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills required. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED. College degree in areas of education, counseling, adolescent development, or ministry is strongly desired. Couples must be legally married for at least two years and each person must be at least 25 years of age. Must have a valid driver’s license. Candidates must submit criminal background and motor vehicle record check. Non-smokers required.

Houseparents will work eight days on/four days off. Benefits include a competitive salary, housing and utilities, paid vacation and sick/personal leave, 401(k), and health, life, and disability insurance.

Interested applicants may submit a resume and two letters of reference to terry.longworth [at] bethesdaforboys [dot] org or

Ms. Terry Longworth, Director of Human Resources
Bethesda Home for Boys
PO Box 13039
Savannah, GA 31416

Close Date: Rolling

Florida Baptist Children’s Homes has openings for primary houseparent couples to serve in cottage settings at various campuses across Florida, meeting the needs of up to eight children (ages 5-18). These couples serve as a team with a social worker/case worker. Duties include daily supervision, spiritual development, discipline, and teaching of life skills to the children. Training is provided before permanent assignment. Competitive salary plus room, board, insurance, and generous leave.

To apply, complete an employment application online or via U.S. Mail; for more information, contact David Buckmaster at (863) 687-8811 or david.buckmaster [at] fbchomes [dot] org.

Close Date: Rolling

Florida Baptist Children’s Homes has openings for lead houseparent couples to serve a specific area at various campuses across Florida. These couples provide support, mentoring and relief to the primary houseparents within that area. Additional compensation is provided for this vital role, along with room, board, insurance, and generous leave.

To apply, complete an employment application online at www.fbchomes.org or via U.S. Mail; for more information, contact David Buckmaster at (863) 687-8811 or david.buckmaster [at] fbchomes [dot] org.

Close Date: Rolling

Across Milton Hershey School’s beautiful Hershey, Pennsylvania campus, amazing things happen daily. Children who may have once seen only limitations are inspired to find their full potential. It is largely thanks to a team that truly shares the school’s mission to nurture and educate students from families of financial and social need.

Entirely free, Milton Hershey School’s residential, coeducational facility provides the advantages of a positive, structured home life and an outstanding pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education. The school is committed to making sure students graduate with the skills they need to be successful and responsible in life. Because the school relies so heavily on finding the right kind of people for the team, Milton Hershey School is also committed to being an outstanding employer.

Full-Time Employees Receive:

• Very competitive pay
• Excellent medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurances
• Use of state-of-the-art athletic and recreational facilities
• Professional development opportunities
• Outstanding schools readily available

Together with their spouses, houseparents are caregivers, role models, and shoulders to lean on. They will nurture a family-like atmosphere in a school home and enjoy quality one-on-one and group time with the children to help each one find their promise. This includes overseeing the basics of the student’s daily living, including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care. Houseparents collaborate with teachers, administrators, and sponsors to facilitate student success.

Milton Hershey School is a place where employees can make a difference in the lives of children and youth, be competitively paid, and receive excellent benefits.

Houseparents Additionally Receive:

• Private apartment, utilities and food provided
• Relocation assistance
• Certified houseparent training program

Requirements Include:

• Couple must meet age and family status requirements
• Each person must have a valid driver’s license
• Experience working with youth, especially coming from challenged settings, preferred
• Education in a human services or education field a plus
• Experience working with diverse children and youth would be an asset

To be considered, you and your spouse must complete separate online applications and provide different individual e-mail addresses.

Read more about our houseparent roles and apply online.

Milton Hershey School values diversity and encourages those with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Close Date: Rolling

Join Mooseheart Child City and School in its mission to care for at-risk children and teens. Mooseheart, located 40 miles west of Chicago, is searching for couples or individuals who strongly believe that every child deserves a healthy, happy, nurturing environment in which to grow, and who are willing to dedicate their careers to enriching the lives of children and teens.

Mooseheart family teachers provide safe and caring home environments for children ranging in age from newborns to high school seniors. Family teachers are responsible for teaching social and independent living skills, as well as providing educational assistance, self-esteem building, and spiritual and moral guidance.

Mooseheart has been publicized in People Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, on A&E’s Dog the Bounty Hunter, and CNN’s Nancy Grace.

Benefits:

• Eligibility for full health and low-cost dental benefits beginning the first of the month following employment
• Business vehicle available (when responsible for live-in youth)
• Free room and board (equivalent to a savings of more than $750 per month)
• Low-cost employee medical health (BCBS-PPO) and dental insurance
• Self-directed 401(k) - company makes annual contributions regardless of employee’s contributions
• Paid vacations, personal time off, and holidays
• Two consecutive days off each week, with 1 bonus day added each month

Requirements:

• Minimum 21 years of age
• Possess valid driver’s license and a good driving record
• High school diploma required (college degree preferred), experience is a plus - but not necessary
• Ability to work within a team approach and possess conflict-management skills
• Must have the ability to live and work within our campus environment, and have a personality that is nurturing, energetic, patient, and persistent. Must have the ability to work under challenging conditions, and possess strong oral, written, organization, and time-management skills.

If you are interested and qualify, e-mail Kyle at krife [at] mooseheart [dot] org or call toll free at 1-888-755-2680.

Close Date: Rolling

Crossnore School, a Christian children’s home in western North Carolina, has openings for mission-minded married couples and individuals without dependent children for live-in cottage worker positions. Must be over 21 years of age with high school/GED or higher degree.

Responsibilities include a professional team-oriented approach to student and cottage management while providing a safe healing and accepting environment for residents and their families by fostering and modeling positive Christian, social, educational, emotional, and physical development.

Resident counselors are expected to uphold the code of ethics for the agency and for their profession while representing the mission, philosophy, and programs of the agency. Work schedule of ten (10) days on and five (5) days off or seven (7) days on and seven (7) days off. Excellent benefits package begins following a 90-day probationary period. Salary commensurate with direct child care experience and education.

Please contact Finance/Personnel Office at 828-733-4305 x28.