Description

Big Oak Ranch is seeking married Christian husband-and-wife teams to serve full-time as Houseparents, living in a Big Oak Ranch home and modeling a healthy, Christ-centered family for children who need a home. Houseparents walk closely with children each day, providing steady love, structure, and discipleship through the ordinary rhythms of family life, including shared meals, consistent routines, school support, guidance, discipline, and a safe, stable home.  

This role is deeply relational, but it is not meant to be carried alone. Houseparents serve as an essential part of a larger Child Care Team, working closely with directors, social workers, counselors, teachers, and other staff to care for each child with shared wisdom, consistent guidance, and unified support.  

This calling is best suited for a spiritually mature couple with active church involvement, strong character, flexibility, and a servant-hearted commitment to serve faithfully in a team-based ministry.  

Big Oak Ranch provides a Christian home for children needing a chance and gives them a pathway to discover God’s purpose and plan for their lives. Through Big Oak Ranch and its supporting ministries, children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, or find themselves alone receive the love, support, and resources to heal from difficult circumstances. But it doesn’t stop there. We also help set them on a course to a full and flourishing future, discovering their purpose, developing their potential, and walking confidently into the plan God has for their lives. Visit bigoak.org to learn more.

Requirements

1. Spiritual, Character, and Leadership Qualifications

• Spiritually mature husband and wife with Christian values
• Active church involvement, including regular attendance
• Values prayer and spiritual disciplines
• Christian moral convictions, high integrity, and a nurturing disposition
• Teachable spirit
• Fair and consistent in applying love, discipline, and parenting
• Leads by example and sets high standards for the children in the home
• Doctrinal and Ministry Alignment: Because this role includes active spiritual leadership of children, applicants must personally affirm and be able to model Big Oak Ranch’s statement of faith, theological convictions, and ministry philosophy in both belief and practice, including within the home, church participation, and the child care team environment.

2. Personal Eligibility, Stability, and Screening 

• High school diploma plus work experience
• Minimum twenty-five (25) years of age for each spouse due to auto insurance requirements
• Minimum of three years married to current spouse
• Physically and emotionally stable
• Approved mental health evaluation following assessment provided by a licensed counselor through Big Oak Ranch
• Must never have been shown by credible evidence to have abused, neglected, sexually exploited, or deprived a child or adult, or caused serious injury through intentional or grossly negligent misconduct 

3. Childcare and Home-Life Capacity

• Ability to provide ongoing twenty-four (24) hour childcare
• Ability to prepare three (3) meals a day for the entire family
• Ability to adapt and remain flexible as scheduling requires 

4. Practical, Administrative, and Work Skills 

• Ability to perform manual labor as required
• Ability to follow instructions, both oral and written
• High proficiency in organizational skills for managing the daily schedule of multiple children and maintaining records
• Ability to maintain a home budget and checking account 

5. Transportation and Safety Requirements

• Valid Alabama driver's license within thirty (30) days of employment, with a driving record insurable by Big Oak Ranch’s carrier
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle, including a 15-passenger van at full capacity
• Ability to obtain a CDL within the first six months of employment
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications