House Parent Missionaries - Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks Youth Advocates . . .

Is a start up agency. Our nonprofit was established in December of 2008. Since then we have been building capacity, and defining our purpose. We offer  counseling services through Clearwater Counseling, (http://www.clearwatercounselingak.org/) providing professional and accredited counseling. We also provide emergency shelter for homeless, near homeless and at risk youth support to help their move towards stability, health in all its forms and self sufficiency through our overnight shelter. Our present focus is The Door, a 24-7 emergency youth shelter. It is The Door that we are seeking house parents for.

In Fairbanks, Alaska . . .
Each year, hundreds of youth find themselves without safety, warmth, and shelter.  Fairbanks Youth Advocates  is working to open an Emergency Shelter for homeless and runaway youth – meeting this need with compassion, love, hope, and faith.  We support families and teens working through conflict and are working to offer a holistic approach to reunification including mediation, and where possible, reconciliation.

The Door:
The Door will be  a 3 story, Residential Child Care Facility with a specialization in Emergency Shelter; a short term safe place, for runaway and homeless youth. It will be licensed for no more than 12 teens, ages 12-21, both guys and gals. The House Parent Couple will have a bedroom,  computer station, and live at The Door on the ground floor. Living rooms, kitchen and second floor are program space. Most teens accessing The Door will sleep on the second floor and primarily occupy upper floor. The facility is currently under renovation and should be done late fall, 2013.

The Door will be staffed around the clock with paid employees and volunteers.

Overview:
Fairbanks Youth Advocates is seeking one committed, dedicated, caring couple who supports our mission and has a diverse set of skills and a desire to help meet the needs of Interior Alaska’s homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth.

This couple must have a desire to live in community and work with youth, ages 12-17, and their families, in times of crisis. They should be able to build relationships with those who have diverse social, cultural and faith backgrounds. Tentatively – most the hours for this position will be accomplished on the weekends.

Interested applicants need to be servant leaders with a diverse set of skills that will benefit a new program including public speaking skills, creative problem solving and a willingness to go beyond the job description.

Applicants must be fully self supported.

Qualifications:

• Followers of Jesus, agreeing with Article 3 of the Bylaws: Guiding Principles and Beliefs for Fairbanks Youth Advocates,
• A US Citizen or lawful permanent resident,
• A 4 year degree for at least one of the house parents,
• 21+,
• “We people” a willingness to be part of a team; ability to demonstrate that they value team,
• Minimum 3 year commitment,
• Spiritually and emotionally mature,
• Ability to self manage and take initiative,
• A willingness to learn, grow, and change,
• A valid drivers license with a clean record of at least 5 years,
• Ability to obtain CDL if necessary,
• CPR and First Aid Certifications or the ability to obtain them,
• Able to pass State and Federal Background checks including sex offender checks     according to agency policies,
• Comfortable living and working with a diverse population,
• Enjoys snow, and prepared to deal with dark cold winters,
• Ability to keep confidentiality,
• Ability and desire to work through conflicts and problems that arise in living in close community, and
• Must have the physical ability to climb stairs and carry up to 25 pounds up or down a flight of stairs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Includes that of a parent: provision of material, physical, spiritual, & emotional needs, and at times, disciplinary needs:

• Assist with shopping & preparation of meals,
• Administer and document medications based on written policies,
• Provide or arrange for transportation for residents to appointments, school, etc.
• Support study and school related activities and coordinate with Homeless
  Liaison.·
• Assist paid staff in caring, supervising and supporting youth, showing them Christ’s unconditional love.
• Plan and engage residents in recreational activities.
• Assist in completing documentation necessary to fulfill all state and other requirements,
• May include crisis intervention, intake and data entry,
• Participate in meetings, including some case planning,
• Communicate with law enforcement and other youth serving agencies as needed,
• Facilitate relationships with residents and their families.

Details:
Being a house parent is a calling. This job is not 9 to 5; it’s a way of life.  Applicants must sense a calling to a life of service and to living, serving, and fostering community.

House Parents must have an innate concern for the wellbeing of youth.  We don’t choose the children placed in our care, so a good understanding of cultural differences is important. Effective house parents have a strong sense of responsibility, great leadership skills, are organized, able to work in close proximity to others, and be in good health and physical condition.

House Parents may be in close contact with biological parents, caseworkers, law enforcement, counselors, and other youth providers. The ability to interface and work professionally with a variety of people is essential.

Benefits

• Housing Provided = an efficiency apartment including bedroom, private bath and private work station; access to program kitchen and living room space
• Meals with kids,
• Local cell phone and/or landline provided
• Two weeks off per year
• Flexible work days
• Budget Management:  can provide administration support and/or process self supported donations for a fee.

If you are interested in showing Christ’s love to teens, submit a cover letter and resume to:

(see below)