Houseparents - Glenwood Academy (Illinois)

POSITION SUMMARY & OBJECTIVES:

The Houseparent position is responsible for providing a safe and a home like environment within the general policies and guidelines of the Agency for the students entrusted in their care. Use of effective verbal and written communication with staff, students and families. Frequent use of computer. Maintains flexibility to adjust work schedule according to Agency needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·        Daily care and supervision of students entrusted in their care.

·        Attend to student’s health, nutrition and rights while in their care.

·        Maintain a professional and nurturing relationship with student, parents/guardians, and staff.

·        Both Houseparents are to be present and engaged with students at all times during Residential hours.

·        Work as part of a team to ensure high standard of care.

·        Participates in team meetings and uses other meetings/trainings to accomplish the objectives the agency has for students and families.

·        Maintain regular communication with supervisor.

·        Monitor safety, health conditions in assigned cottage.

·        Maintain cottage integrity.

·        Plan and implementation of recreation, social activities, and special events for students.

·        Ability to work effectively with students and staff in a culturally diverse environment.

·        Reinforce positive social and behavioral skills, through everyday encounters.

·        Active communication with internal and external team members.

·        Complete all necessary reports, forms, and documentation accurately and timely.

·        Demonstrates a commitment to continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the position.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

·        Teach positive social behavioral and educational skills, through everyday encounters and family meetings and by setting goals and charting progress.

·        Promote and maintain discipline at all times.

·        Maintains flexibility to adjust work schedule according to Agency needs

·        Participate in agency seminars and in-service programs as designated by administration.   

·        Ensure that health and safety procedures are observed.

·        Attend regular statutory training as well as role-specific training.

·        Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Must be 21 years of age.

·        Hiring team of two people.

·        Minimum education level is a high school diploma or GED.

·        Experience working with children and youth.

·        Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license with no suspensions in effect within the previous three (3) years of hire.  

·        Must have personal vehicle or access to one and provide proof of automobile liability insurance.

·        No history of child abuse or neglect.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Undergraduate Degree in human service field (i.e. Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, etc.).

·        Previous work experience in a residential/boarding environment working with children ages 7-18.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Residential (Cottage) Environment.  Houseparent live and work with the students in their care.  Workday can be long, fast paced, and challenging.  Houseparents must have a high stress tolerance. Workday is a split shift, working early morning and returning to work late afternoon when students return after school dismissal.  Position may require off site travel and attendance at outside events on days and times outside of the normal workweek schedule.  Houseparent’s work week begins Sunday evenings; ending Friday evenings.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Standing, sitting, walking, talking or hearing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt.

Applicants can apply via 

https://www.glenwoodacademy.org/work-at-glenwood or email mturner@glenwoodacademy.org