House Parents - Christian Couple - Valparaiso, IN

The houseparents serve as vital members of our service at Shults-Lewis. Houseparents provide care and supervision of the children entrusted into our care. There is a close working relationship between houseparents, case managers, therapists, school staff and office personnel. Because the children we serve are not used to being in health families, houseparents have to be able to adjust to living with children who manipulate others. This environment can take a toll on family life. Couples should know how to work together to adjust to new pressures. Another important element in houseparenting is management and care of the facilities. Good housekeeping standards are important as regular inspections by state health and fire officials do occur. This role is a mission, not a job. You will have the opportunity to outreach to some of the most mistreated and damaged young people in our area.

Culture

• • Love, value and respect children and colleagues!
  • Faith in God as the foundation upon which we carry out our daily tasks
  • At all times, follows only the highest level of Christian and professional ideals and standards, following the Word of God/Bible in our conduct and attitudes
  • Values each life we touch because each is made in the image of God
  • Models and integrates the Shults-Lewis culture, “an organization of distinction” into all aspects of the job
  • Supports continuous improvement efforts in the home, school, and campus-wide
  • Implements Shults-Lewis policies, procedures and standards fully
  • Engages in open communication and cooperation within and between departments, and among residents and staff
  • Show respect for the rights and confidentiality of families and children
  • Demonstrates the Shults-Lewis “FAITH. FAMILY. FUTURE.” model to residents, staff, and the community
• Maintains positive public relations by displaying professionalism when interacting with residents, resident representatives, staff, and the general public
• The TEAM experience (TOGETHER.EVERYONE.ACHIEVES.MORE). When the situation calls for it, we are an all hands on deck organization!

Responsibilities

1. Provide spiritual guidance for the residents
2. Maintain appropriate records of meal planning, resident behaviors, medication administration, and other records as needed
3. Provide responsible supervision for children in care at all times
4. Ensure the physical, mental, spiritual and medical needs of the children are met
5. Provide adequate, trauma informed responses to the emotional needs of residents
6. Meet with Program/Case Manager and other program staff to discuss the residents care and treatment plan goals, offering suggestions and insights as the primary caregiver
7. Provide independent living and recreational activities for residents
8. Participate in trainings as scheduled
9. Provide transportation for residents as needed
10. Other duties as assigned

People Development and Leadership

1. Provide independent living training to residents in care
2. Lead by example, modeling Christian morals, values and standards
3. Develop and maintain effective relationships and two-way communication with staff
4. Maintains appropriate records which will become part of the client’s permanency file, as required by licensing standards

Qualifications:

1. Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age as required by the State of Indiana Department of Children’s Services
2. Married couple of at least two (2) years preferred
3. High School Diploma, or equivalent, required
4. Approved criminal background check required