House Parent - CAC

Position Summary: 

This person is responsible for ensuring that a safe, structured and home-like environment is provided to children in the CAC Emergency Shelter and Respite Homes. This position is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the home, supervising direct care staff, and ensuring that a nurturing, safe, and structured environment is maintained for all residents and overnight respite clients.

Role and Responsibilities

This person’s job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide compassionate, hands-on care to clients, supporting their physical, emotional, social, and recreational needs.
• Responsible for providing structure in daily routines, ensuring the shelter environment is calm, organized, and predictable.
• Accountable for ensuring all medical needs of child are met as directed by medical personnel.
• Assist with transportation and arrange staffing for medical appointments, school, and extracurricular activities.
• Responsible for supervising, mentoring, and training a team of direct care staff to ensure high-quality care and supervision of residents.
• Create the schedule for direct care staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage for the shelter program.
• Ensure staff complete all necessary paperwork for the shelter program.
• Conduct annual and interim reviews of direct reports as well as provide corrective feedback when necessary.
• Manage direct reports' electronic time records weekly, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Ensure that all shift responsibilities and shelter routines (e.g., meals, hygiene, medication administration, bedtimes) are carried out effectively.
• Plan and participate in engaging outings for shelter clients, considering safety and individual needs.
• Collaborate with case managers, behavioral health staff, and other professionals to support the individualized needs of each child.
• Respond appropriately to crises and behavioral incidents, using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
• Offer staff guidance and intervention strategies to staff dealing with urgent crisis situations and behaviors.
• Conduct shift changeovers and staff check-ins to ensure continuity of care and communication.
• Monitor shelter cleanliness, safety, and compliance with licensing and organizational standards; submitting work orders as needed
• Oversee inventory of household supplies, groceries, and children’s personal items assure that homes are well-stocked and organized.
• Oversee the training of new direct care staff, reinforcing expectations and best practices.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of daily activities, incidents, fire drill logs, and observations. 
• Facilitate and participate in regular team meetings, training, and professional development activities.
• Mindfully integrate the Trauma Informed Care Model and Person-Centered Approach into all procedures, practices, and daily interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical requirements:

Staff must be physically capable of driving an automobile in a safe manner.  Must be able to lift to 35 pounds, stoop, bend, kneel, stand/walk up to 4 hours, and be capable of continuous activity with children; must be physically able to participate in and complete PCM Practitioner Level 2 certification (Professional Crisis Management).

Competencies: 

• Adaptability: Responsive to new demands and able to adapt to meet the needs of clients. Should be flexible, open to new ideas, and able to adjust strategies as needed.
• Leadership: Ability to guide, support, and motivate direct care staff. Demonstrates accountability and holds others to consistent standards. Provides clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Understands the impact of trauma and applies trauma-sensitive practices in daily interactions. Maintains a calm, compassionate presence during crises.
• Structure & Organization: Creates and maintains routines that promote safety, predictability, and consistency. Keeps the environment orderly and ensures tasks and schedules are followed.
• Crisis Management & De-escalation: Recognizes early signs of escalation and responds effectively to prevent crisis. Uses approved techniques to manage behavior safely and respectfully.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively across disciplines and shift teams. Communicates clearly and respectfully to ensure continuity of care.
• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly with children, staff, and external providers. Adjust communication style to meet individual developmental or sensory needs.
• Commitment to Mission: A genuine passion for the organization's mission and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families with disabilities.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children, preferably in a residential, group home, or emergency shelter setting.
• Experience working with children and youth with developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Supervisory or leadership experience in a care setting is highly desirable.
• CPR, First Aid and Water Safety certification.
• Must be capable of becoming PCM Practitioner Level 2 Certified.
• Available to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as needed.
• Available to be on call for emergencies.
• Valid Driver’s License and cleaning driving record required.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Compassionate, patient, and emotionally resilient.                 

EOE

https://info.flclearinghouse.com