Houseparents - south cental Virginia, VA

Patrick Henry Family Services, a growing Christian organization, is looking for married couples with a heart for children to serve as houseparents in its residential homes for children ages 6 to 17.  An outstanding benefits package is offered including an annual salary of $45,000 per couple to start, paid health insurance, long and short term disability, and life insurance coverage, housing, and a retirement plan. 

Job Description

Job Title: Houseparent

Department:Department of Residential Care

Job Summary:

The male/female houseparent couple is to serve as surrogate parents and operate the home with the value of a Christian home. They are to function as a team with responsibility for the safety, training, ongoing supervision, discipline and happiness of the children in the home.

Essential Job Functions:

·         Determine and provide for the ongoing needs of the residents

·         Determine the ongoing needs of the cottage/walk thru checklist

·         Administer medications to residents per physician orders

·         Educational role – grades, study hall

·         Prepare nutritious meals for residents

·         Develop and supervise chore assignments for the residents

·         Maintain the equipment and promote safety standards

·         Schedule and attend medical/dental/counseling appointments for the residents

·         Provide non-denominational religious training for the residents

·         Attend church services with residents

·         Meet with case manager and administrative staff to review residents’ goals and service plans

·         Submit petty cash receipts, follow prescribed business policies and procedures, and following accounting practices when requesting, submitting, or turning in money

·         Participate in community outreach services with residents

·         Provide written documentation of behavior variances

·         Complete required certifications and recertify per standards (CPR, FA, MATY, MANDT, Blood Borne Pathogens)

·         Contact Health Care Coordinator for sick resident to collaborate plan of care

·         Attend department meetings

·         Attend extracurricular activities of residents

·         Generate applicable medical, licensing, supervision reports and activities

·         Attend training to improve performance as needed

·         Character Based System curriculum

·         Complete small maintenance items in home

·         Yard work

Non-Essential Job Duties/Tasks:

N/A

Work Contacts/Employees Supervised:

Communication in person, and/or utilizing email or telephone:

·         Daily – Residents, peers, supervisor, directors/peers from various departments

·         Occasionally – customers

Employees Supervised: None

Decision Making Authority:

This position requires moderate decision making authority specifically related to all areas impacting this department.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

·         Requires minimal physical effort

·         Indoor / office setting

·         Periods of sitting at desk working on a computer

·         Includes operation of general office equipment

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·         Knowledge of:

o   Appropriate use of general household appliances

o   Basic life skills – relationship building, meal preparation, and so forth

·         Skills:

o   Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

o   Effective problem solving skills

o   Parenting skills to oversee and manage residents’ care

o   Basic mathematical and reading skills

o   Conflict-resolution skills

·         Ability to:

o   Multitask, meet deadlines and respond appropriately to residents’ needs

o   Successfully work with a team in a potentially stressful and diverse environment

o   Transport residents to activities and events

o   Provide mentoring and coaching of residents

o   Safely administer medication to residents as needed

o   Complete required certifications and maintain recertification standards

Required/Preferred Education:

·         High school diploma/GED – Required

·         Degree - Preferred

Required Years of Experience:

·         1 year of related experience

Other Requirements:

·         Languages: Must be able to effectively communicate both orally and by written word in the English language

·         Office or other equipment: Normal use and understanding of basic office equipment including the computer and its related software, copiers, and fax machines

·         Must have valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

·         Must have a functioning cell phone