Description

Job Summary:

The House Parent resides in the home with the children and serves as a consistent parental role model while implementing a professional, family-style program. This role emphasizes skill acquisition, personal development, and the creation of a safe, nurturing environment in which youth can grow and learn. House Parents are actively engaged in teaching social, self-help, academic, and independent living skills, while also ensuring the day-to-day operations of the residence run smoothly. Responsibilities include documentation, household management, transportation, and other assigned duties. As the primary caregiver, the House Parent is accountable for fostering stability, guidance, and support for all children in the home. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.
 

 Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Live in the residence provided by A Kid’s Place 7 days on/7 days off (Thursday through Thursday).
• Constantly monitor the safety, security, and well-being of the children, and actively intervene to avoid any safety hazards to the children.
• Participates and provides input as a team member in developing and carrying out the child’s plan of service.
• Apply verbal de-escalation techniques and other behavior management strategies as trained.
• Maintain a positive, caring, respectful demeanor at all times.
• Foster positive relationships using supportive verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Arrive and depart punctually, maintaining a strong attendance record.
• Maintain confidentiality of the youth’s personal and medical information.
• Prepare and serve meals in a family-like environment.
• Maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the group home and its surroundings according to A Kid’s Place’s policies and standards.
• Administer medications according to agency policy.
• Complete intake of new youth and all required documentation of youth at admission and discharge.
• Keep and maintain accurate records of expenditures and children’s funds.
• Ensure youth are prepared to attend appointments (e.g., therapy, tutoring, medical).
• Teach and reinforce life and independent living skills per child-specific service plans.
• Provide non-restraint behavioral interventions as appropriate.
• Transport children to and from school, doctor appointments, and other functions as needed for the program.
• Plans, develops, and adheres to house and program-wide activity schedules, facilitating youth participation in structured enrichment activities both on-site and off-site (e.g., parks, malls, movie theaters).
• Check and respond to emails and communications in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with direct care staff during shift changes and transition days, sharing pertinent youth and campus updates.
• Submit all required documentation promptly, thoroughly, and accurately.
• Participate in all necessary training and staff meetings.
• Other duties assigned. 
   

Education and Experience:
 

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• A minimum of two years’ experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in a residential setting, is highly preferred. 
   

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass a Level 2 FDLE background screen, drug screen, and local background screen upon initial hire and annually.
• Valid Driver’s License: has and maintains a valid driver’s license and can operate a company vehicle to transport children without restrictions. Must be insurable by A Kid’s Place’s insurance carrier.
• Abide by a smoke-free and weapon-free campus. No alcohol is permitted while on duty.
• The ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Must be dependable regarding work schedule and punctuality.
• The ability to arrive at work on time and ready to perform all job duties.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and children from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Maintain a professional demeanor to clients, staff, and external parties.
• Must be reliable, punctual, flexible, and a team player.
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite or related software.
• The ability to work and comply with all EEOC rules collaboratively and respectfully and to accept constructive criticism from management with dignity and respect. 
   

Essential Functions and Physical Requirements: 
 

• The ability to lift up 50 pounds
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, and reaching
• Frequent use of hands and fingers
• The ability to hear and respond quickly to sounds
• The ability to communicate effectively with others
• The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions even in stressful situations
• Close, distance, and peripheral vision
• The ability to arrive at work on time and ready to perform all job duties, and to work all assigned shifts and hours