Home Parents care for and supervise youth in placement and implement the MCH model of care in homes on the assigned residential campus. Home Parents who work in the Independent Living program supervise adults ages 18-25. Home Parents must exhibit the intellectual and emotional maturity required to work with youth who have behavioral issues and difficulty relating to others due to developmental delays, mental health needs and trauma. This position requires respect and compassionate understanding for the youth in care and the ability to balance the need for nurture and structure in the work with youth. Home Parents must have the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with youth and coworkers, effectively communicate with others, solve problems and regulate their own behavior in all situations. Home Parents must maintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behavior consistent with the agency's mission and core values.
This is a 24-hour per day live-in position with a living space provided. Housing should be discussed and agreed upon at acceptance of employment. The typical schedule is seven days on and seven days off with no paid holidays as holidays are incorporated into the regular schedule. Home Parents are on duty throughout the waking hours but are able to rest or take care of personal matters when youth are not in their care such as while attending school. Home Parents must be available to return to duty if youth need to return home for care. Home Parents are provided with a sleeping period each day when all youth have retired for the night. Although a night attendant is on duty on most nights, Home Parents must be in the home during the sleeping period and be available to respond to needs of youth that may arise during the sleeping hours. Generally the working hours for each Home Parent will not exceed forty hours per week. The Home Parents' schedule will be determined by the employee's supervisor. Most duties are performed on the assigned campus, but transportation of residents to activities and events in the local community is frequent. Out of town and overnight trips may be required. MCH provides an agency vehicle for the transportation of residents for all activities and events. A technology stipend is provided to support the communication requirements of this position.
Home Parents must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Further education and experience in child care-related fields are preferred.
Training hours must be completed annually to comply with licensing and accreditation standards, as well as MCH policy. The employee's supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth. Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment.
Home Parents must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas Driver's License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children's Home, no criminal history and acceptable references.
I have reviewed the job description for the position of Home Parent and understand I must be able to perform the duties outlined above. The Physical Demands/Requirements of the position are provided in another document and discussed at hire. I understand that due to the complexities of the position all duties and responsibilities may not be outlined in this job description and the duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change. I understand I am employed at will and may be discharged at any time without notice or cause and that I will be required to leave MCH housing upon notice by MCH.