Position: Relief Houseparent

Position Description

Definition: In accordance with the Hutton Settlement values, mission and vision, serves as a team-based parental figure within a cottage family unit. Provides a nurturing environment and supportive relationships for children in residence.

Supervisor: Campus Director
Schedule: Full-time (8 days on, 3 days off): Houseparents must reside on-campus during shifts 

Responsibilities:

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Responsible for the development of resonant relationships with each assigned child, exercising major responsibility for the development of earned security and social- emotional growth through attachment-based parenting methods. Counsels children to alleviate and address personal and family difficulties.

• Participates in Circle of Security parent consultations and related development practices for personal awareness and growth

• Promotes a sense of belonging for children in care through active participation in campus and community engagement activities.

• Teaches and encourages assigned children in the development of good habits and values through the implementation of a balanced cottage program, including clear expectations and approved discipline according to the agency discipline policy and primary houseparents’ cottage plan.

• Plans, supervises, and participates in the daily activities of cottage children including social/ leisure time, recreation, chores, school, and spiritual activities.

• Teaches health principles, and monitors and directs children’s personal hygiene. Prepares balanced, nutritional meals for assigned children.

• Monitors children’s medical and dental needs to include documentation of medication given. Assists with attendance at children’s counseling, medical, or dental sessions as needed.

FAMILY MANAGEMENT

• Assists with the planning and implementation of weekly menu plan.

• Implements housekeeping program as defined by the primary houseparents, with the assistance of age appropriate children for the development of a healthy work ethic and responsibility. Maintains standards of cottage cleanliness daily.

• Promotes sense of community contribution with children in care through assistance with maintaining the exterior grounds around the cottage and within determined areas of responsibility on campus.

• Assists with inventories and inspects entire cottage regularly, reporting all deficiencies to the Campus Director for replacement or repair. Conducts monthly fire drills.

• Organizes, encourages, assists, and supervises children’s educational activities within the cottage. Supports children in finding and expressing their gifts. Refers assigned children for remedial education as needed.

• Serves as a member of the houseparent team to assist with cottage decision-making and promote clear, consistent communication.

• Maintains healthy, supportive relationships and connections with children’s family and professional staff.

• Participates in staff conferences, in-service training programs, case meetings of children, and unit meetings as directed.
• Additional duties as determined by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent degree. College degree preferred.

• Two years of experience working or living with children and/or families.

• Willingness to live full-time in an intentional community setting.