Description
Have you ever wished you could be an “all-the-time houseparent” without worrying about what’s happening in your home when relief staff is on duty?
Are you tired of caring for a large number of children at once?
Do you long for more autonomy and a more family-centered approach to caregiving?
If so, we may have just the opportunity for you.
Our “Professional” Parents live year-round (with periodic respite opportunities), with four to five children at a time, in one of eight homes located in a specially designed neighborhood near beautiful Lake James in Western North Carolina. "Professional" Parents are employees of our organization, compensated similarly to foster parents, but at a significantly higher rate (some earning up to $120,000 annually) with full health, dental, and life insurance benefits.
"Professional" Parents enjoy the freedom and autonomy to live daily life without constant oversight or interruption. Mental health clinicians, case managers, supervisors, recreation programming, educational assistance, and evidence-based services are available right on-site to help families thrive. Our team is trained in the evidence-based C.A.R.E. model, which focuses on building healthy relationships and creating healing environments for children who have experienced trauma.
Ideal candidates are willing to engage with children in everyday activities, enjoy building relationships, and have the desire and ability to play, connect, and have fun!
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Singles or couples are welcome to apply.
Learn more about our unique Foster Community model and apply online at https://www.southmountain.org/employment/professional-parents
Requirements
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Daily Care and Nurturing
Provide round-the-clock care in a home setting for 4–5 foster children
Meet children’s daily needs: meals, hygiene, transportation, school support, medical appointments, and recreation.
Maintain a stable, nurturing, and safe home environment that promotes emotional and physical well-being.
Support age-appropriate independence, life skills, and personal growth.
Relationship Building
Build trusting, supportive relationships with children using trauma-informed care principles.
Offer consistent encouragement, praise, and accountability to help children develop self-esteem and confidence.
Foster a family-like environment where children feel loved, seen, and heard.
Behavioral and Emotional Support
Utilize the C.A.R.E. (Children and Residential Experiences) model to guide responses to children’s behavior, emphasizing connection over control.
Apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques to safely prevent, manage, and de-escalate emotional or behavioral crises.
Collaborate with clinicians and support staff to implement individualized care plans for each child.
Team Collaboration and Communication
Participate in weekly team meetings, coaching sessions, and ongoing training to ensure consistency and alignment with best practices.
Communicate regularly and professionally with case managers, therapists, educators, and program leadership.
Maintain documentation related to the children’s daily care, progress, and incidents.
Household Responsibilities
Manage the home environment, including basic cleaning, organizing, and meal preparation.
Model responsible adult behavior, including budgeting, household management, and conflict resolution.
Help children engage in and take responsibility for household routines.
Training and Professional Development
Attend and actively participate in all required trainings, including:
TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention)
C.A.R.E. Model implementation
First aid/CPR and medication administration, if required
Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and improving parenting practices.
