Houseparent; Residential Mentor

Position Overview

Safe Harbor Boys’ Home is a nonprofit Christian residential boarding school and maritime academy serving teenage boys ages 14–17. Our Houseparents serve as frontline mentors and leaders, living on campus or aboard program vessels while guiding students through daily life, personal growth, and leadership development.

This role is ideal for men or married couples called to mentorship, ministry, human services, counseling, education, or youth development. Houseparents provide daily structure, emotional support, and mentorship in a residential environment designed to help young men develop character, responsibility, and purpose.

• Provide daily supervision, mentorship, and care for teenage residents
• Build positive, consistent mentoring relationships with students
• Maintain a structured, safe, and supportive residential environment
• Model professionalism, integrity, emotional maturity, and personal responsibility
• Support students in daily routines, academics, vocational work, and personal development
• Monitor student behavior, enforce program expectations, and maintain accountability
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of residential living spaces
• Participate in team meetings, staff coordination, and program activities
• Assist with life skills development including responsibility, work ethic, and discipline
• Support the overall mission and culture of the Safe Harbor residential program
• Houseparents typically oversee a small group of 10–15 teenage boys alongside a team of staff.

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and mentorship ability
• Emotional maturity and sound judgment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build trust and maintain professional boundaries
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Reliability, consistency, and personal accountability
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptability in a structured residential environment
• Professionalism in high-responsibility roles
• Ability to provide structure while maintaining compassion and respect
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to pass background check and screening
• Ability to live on-site during scheduled shifts
• Physically able to navigate stairs, docks, and vessels
• Ability to work a structured residential schedule

• Experience working with youth, mentorship, coaching, or leadership roles
• Experience in residential programs, ministry, camps, or human services

• 14 days on duty followed by 7 consecutive days off
• Provides structured work-life balance with extended time off

• Starting salary: $25,000 per year per person
• On-site housing provided (live-aboard vessel or campus housing)
• Utilities included
• Meals provided during work rotation
• Paid time off and some holidays
• Leadership and ministry development opportunities
• Total compensation value approximately $45,000 annually including housing

This position is especially valuable for individuals pursuing careers in:

• Human Services
• Counseling
• Social Work
• Youth Ministry
• Education
• Criminal Justice

This role provides hands-on leadership experience, mentorship development, and meaningful work that directly impacts lives.

Safe Harbor Boys’ Home is a nonprofit Christian residential boarding school and maritime academy located in Jacksonville, Florida. Our mission is to build strong men, redeem broken stories, and transform lives through mentorship, structure, and leadership development.