Job Description

Position Title: Houseparent 

Reports To: Vice President of Residential Services 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None FLSA Classification: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY & OBJECTIVES

The Houseparent is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and home-like environment for students residing at Glenwood Academy. Within the framework of agency policies and the Glenwood Model of Care, the Houseparent promotes the physical, emotional, educational, and social development of each child entrusted to their care.

This role requires effective communication, compassion, structure, and the ability to work collaboratively with residential, academic, and clinical teams. The Houseparent serves as a positive role model, fostering growth and responsibility in students through daily supervision and support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Student Care and Supervision

• Provide daily care, supervision, and guidance to students in residence.
• Attend to students’ health, nutrition, personal needs, and rights while in care.
• Maintain professional, nurturing relationships with students, staff, and parents/guardians.
• Ensure that both Houseparents’ are present and actively engaged with students during residential hours.
• Reinforce positive social and behavioral skills through daily routines and interactions.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students and monitor health and safety conditions in the assigned cottage.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and integrity of the cottage.

Program Implementation and Communication

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate recreational, educational, and social activities for students.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and supervision to support individual and program goals.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external team members to ensure consistent care.
• Complete required documentation, reports, and forms accurately and in a timely manner.
• Model and uphold agency standards, policies, and procedures in all areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous quality improvement in all aspects of care.
• Maintain flexibility to adjust work schedule based on program needs.

Behavioral and Emotional Support

• Provide structure and accountability while maintaining empathy and understanding.
• Teach and model life skills such as responsibility, self-control, respect, and cooperation.
• Promote and maintain discipline in a supportive, non-punitive manner consistent with agency policies.
• Encourage students’ emotional growth and conflict resolution through positive engagement.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

• Demonstrate respect and appreciation for the diversity of students and staff.
• Engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Uphold Glenwood Academy’s values of inclusion, equity, and respect in all interactions.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach and reinforce educational and behavioral goals through daily interactions and family meetings.
• Participate in agency seminars, in-service programs , and professional training as designated by administration.
• Ensure adherence to all health and safety procedures within the residential environment.
• Provide supervision and support during special events, campus activities, and off-site outings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Married couple for a minimum of three (3) years.
• Minimum education level: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with children and youth.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with no suspensions within the past three (3) years.
• Access to a personal vehicle and proof of automobile liability insurance.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or a related field.
• Prior experience working in a residential or boarding school environment with children ages 7–18.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $34,000 - $36,000 Annually (based on experience and qualifications).
• Professional development opportunities>

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a residential (cottage) environment where house parents live and work with students in their care.
• Workdays are typically split shifts , including early mornings and late afternoons/evenings after school dismissal.
• Work can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding , requiring patience and resilience.
• Houseparents’ must demonstrate high stress tolerance and flexibility to adapt to students’ needs.
• May include off-site travel and participation in events outside of regular work hours.
• Work week typically begins Sunday evening through Friday evening.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to engage in light physical activity and movement with students.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt status.

Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed as exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with a position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment at Glenwood Academy is an “at-will” arrangement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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