REPORTS TO: Program Director
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Part-time (as-needed basis). Non-exempt.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Respite Houseparents will serve in place of houseparents for a temporary period who are either on sabbatical or dealing with a medical or family emergency. This role will run on a part-time and as-needed basis and will temporarily step into the houseparent role and assume all appropriate responsibilities during that time of coverage.
At Eagle Ranch, houseparents use biblical values in modeling a healthy family as they care for the children residing in their home. They manage the home to create a therapeutic environment, which facilitates the attainment of goals established when each child is accepted at the Ranch. Within a structured environment, they ensure a holistic approach to nurturing each child. Additionally, respite houseparents will be in contact with each child’s family alongside the residential team, which includes a counselor and program assistant.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Spiritual Development of the Child
- Model a healthy family relationship incorporating Christian values and worldview.
- Maintain current structure of home regarding spiritual development.
Emotional Development
- Create a safe environment where the children can work on their issues and practice new behaviors.
- Work closely with your program director, counselor, and program assistant to help the children achieve the goals that were established when they first came to Eagle Ranch.
Social Development
- Manage the group of children in your home in conjunction with your program director, counselor, and program assistant to ensure social growth.
Intellectual Development
a. Education
- During the school year, provide structured time each day for schoolwork and ensure that the children have necessary study materials.
- Work in close cooperation with teachers, school staff, program director, counselor, and program assistant.
b. Discipline
- In conjunction with teachers, school staff, counselor, program director, and program assistant teach children the choice/consequence model and consistently hold them accountable for the choices they make.
- Comply with theRanch’s “Discipline and Behavior Management Policy”.
- Immediately report serious offenses or incidents to your counselor or program director, as well as follow up with a written Incident Report in conjunction with the program director and counselor.
- Consequences should be delivered in a consistent, calm, and productive manner.
Physical Development of the Child
a. Housekeeping
- Supervise the children in completing household chores, assist when needed and help them develop good housekeeping habits.
b. Daily Care
- Prepare dinner, provide and support nutritionally balanced meals.
- Model and practice good table manners and encourage an atmosphere of “serving one another” during meals. Eat meals together as a family.
- Know any special health needs of children (e.g. allergic reaction to bee stings, medicines, special medicines needed, etc.). Ensure the required medication is taken at the proper time and in the prescribed amount.
Staff Relations
- Work closely with the program director, program assistant, and counselor.
- Attend weekly team meetings with program director, counselor, and program assistant.
- Participate and cooperate with all members of the childcare team.
QUALITIES:
1. Enjoy participating in Christian community.
2. Strong desire to serve others.
3. Flexible and adaptable. Able to adjust to sudden schedule changes.
4. Mature and growing Christian actively involved in a community church.
5. Strives to maintain a close, daily walk with God.
6. Able to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
7. Demonstrated ability to be a team player and highly approachable.
8. Excellent character, health, and emotional stability.
9. Teachable spirit and willingness to seek counsel.
10. Open to the ideas and thoughts of others – appropriate flexibility.
11. Humility and willingness to serve others for a short period of time.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Mature follower ofChrist and agree with the Eagle Ranch Statement of Faith.
2. Share with your spouse a burden to provide a Christian home for children and facilitate a relationship with families for a short period of time.
3. Willingness to show hospitality to children and their families.
4. Good physical and psychological health as assessed by employment process.
5. Adhere to the program calendar (Summer: Both houseparents must follow the summer calendar and residential scheduled hours. Fall/Winter/Spring: At least one of the houseparents must adhere to the program schedule.)
6. HS Diploma, plus work experience required. College Preferred.
7. Married at least one year and have no more than two of your own children living at home.
8. Have a valid driver’s license, a good driving history and able to drive a 15-passenger van.
9. Live in Ranch assigned home and prepare meals for your assigned children.
10. Able to balance Ranch responsibilities with those of your own family.
READY TO APPLY? Couples should email their professional resumes with a cover letter (please include age and gender of any dependent children) to John Cunnings, Boys' Program Director, at johncunnings@eagleranch.org, and we will contact you. In your cover letter, please list where you heard about the houseparent position.