Full-Time Houseparents

• Requisition #: 19000167
• Job Schedule: Full-time
• Location: Hershey, PA

Would you like to positively impact the lives of youth?  Do you enjoy working with students from lower-income settings?  Is working with your spouse a positive for you?  Would you enjoy managing a large home and creating memorable experiences & traditions for students in your care? Consider Houseparenting at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA – the sweetest place on earth!™

Milton Hershey School (MHS) Houseparents are married couples whom live in student homes on campus with 8 to 12 students whom they supervise. Houseparents are care-givers and role models for the students - living with them in campus homes and overseeing their daily lives.  Houseparents are in high gear in the morning when the students begin their day early with devotions and a healthy breakfast before going to school appropriately dressed, on-time, and ready to learn.  While the students are in school, Houseparents have their personal time before going on duty again when the students return from school.  Afternoons and evenings are busy with extra-curricular activities, dinner time, chores, homework, and timely bed-time. Weekends provide opportunity for student home activities and required Sunday chapel attendance. 

Houseparents ensure students’ well-being from a physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development standpoint.  They collaborate extensively with other MHS staff including faculty, health services and others.  Houseparents also build relationships with and maintain communication with students’ families or sponsors. 

Houseparents have administrative responsibilities including the oversight of the student home, student home budget, scheduling coordination, record-keeping and more.  Houseparents participate in regular meetings and trainings to ensure they have the information required for the role.  When initially hired, Houseparents work as a “flex” in which they work in a variety of homes until placed in an assigned home or quad of homes.

This is a year round salaried position. Houseparents work 12 days on & 3 days off.  Private apartments are provided. Houseparent couples are permitted to have up to two of their own children residing with them.

Minimum starting salary per married couple is $72,454.00 with an excellent benefits package including 3 weeks of paid summer vacation. Housing, utilities & meals are provided by nature of the job.  Paid training and relocation assistance are provided.  Best of all, there's the opportunity to make a significant positive impact in the lives of the students in your care!   

For more details about this position, view the link “careers as a houseparent” on the employment page.  

• Couples must be legally married, preferably for at least 3 years.
• Age 27 or over is preferred for both spouses.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required as a minimum.
• Candidates should demonstrate a high degree of integrity, as all MHS staff are considered to be role models for MHS students.
• Demonstrated successful experience (paid or volunteer) working with children from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with children, youth & adults.
• Organizational & budgeting skills.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft, Internet, database utilization).
• Demonstrated success in a dynamic work environment.  Multi-tasking capabilities are essential. 
• Must be effective in working with students from PreK through 12th grade - boys and girls
• Capable of effectively handling emergencies including medical situations.
• Each spouse must have a valid driver's license in good standing & willingness to learn to drive a 10-passenger van.
• No more than two dependent children in residence.
• There are limitations to pets.
• Effective communication and language skills necessary.
• Please note the selection/hiring process is extensive including on-line application & assessment, phone screens, on-campus interview, reference checks, in-depth background checks & medical clearances, which includes a 50 lbs. lift test.
• U.S. Work Authorization required.

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