House Parent

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Education and Experience

• A 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.