House Parent

For more than 126 years, Epworth Children's Home has grown and adapted to the individual needs of children and families by providing a safe and nurturing environment, evidence-based practices, and programs across the continuum of care and across the state of South Carolina.

Position Summary:

Provide a nurturing group living experience consistent with the C.A.R.E. practice model for children in residential placement, the mission of Epworth, and the respective client's plan of care; rotate among cottages as needed; and assist with on/off campus activities as scheduled. Primary Performance Objectives
• Learn and apply the C.A.R.E. practice model, Epworth policies and procedures, and state regulations to childcare, home life, activities, and all interactions with clients.
• Collaborate as a member of an interdisciplinary team that exists to work on behalf of the best interests of each client in its care
• Respond professionally to training, documentation, and performance expectations set forth by direct supervisors and Epworth administrators
• Provide primary parenting and supervision for clients based upon the development of authentic, caring relationships. Job Task

Summary:

• To cooperate with all Epworth staff to enhance the mission and ministry as a whole. This would include role modeling, appropriate participation in campus activities, worship services, devotions, mission opportunities, and Sunday School teaching as needed
• Provide a safe, structured, supervised environment in the home and on/off campus while serving as a parent, role model, healer, and teacher
• Develop meaningful relationships with all clients
• Complete daily documentation on each client
• Provide instruction in self-care and other developmentally appropriate life skills
• Supervise and monitor activities, chores, school, work, medical and health schedule
• Prepare meals and teach clients how to prepare meals
• Purchase snacks for pantry, keeping pantry well stocked for client needs
• Provide transportation via mini-bus or care to school, activities, client employment and appointments
• Ensure home is clean and in good working order, submitting work orders for needed repairs (including grounds around building)
• Assist clients with homework and ensure clients attend tutoring session as assigned

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in human service field preferred.

High school diploma or equivalent with significant life experience in working with children and adolescents (i.e. group residential counselor, church/youth experience, camp counselor, etc.)Ability to be outdoors in cold/or heat for recreational purposes with the children.  Ability to stand, twist, bend, climb stairs, lift, and stoop in the normal course of care of the children/youth. Must be able to plan and participate in activities and drive a minibus.

Has a belief system and engages in faith practices that are compatible with those of the United Methodist Church Must be able to pass standard background checks, including: drug screen, employment physical, SLED, DSS Central Registry and Sex Offenders Registry Must be able to attend required in-person trainings within two months of hire.

What comes with being a House Parent at Epworth?

Competitive pay Pastoral Care and Onsite Worship Center Onsite Catering Onsite gym and recreation centers Located in the highly sought-after Historic Shandon neighborhood, walking distance from local shops and restaurants Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans Company paid life insurance.

Voluntary benefits such as STD, LTD, Group life
403(b) with company match

Credit Union Employee Assistance ProgramA unique work schedule of 7 days on living on campus, 7 days off campus, providing 26 weeks off per year.

Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Epworth's mission is to serve children, youth, and families through caring, safe, Christian communities, where hurts are healed, hope is nurtured, and faith in God, self, and others is developed.