Residential Child Care - Direct Care Staff; Live-In Position

Location: Mooseheart, IL

Are you ready to begin a meaningful new chapter shaping the future of America's youth? Mooseheart Child City & School is seeking Family Teachers - dedicated individuals or married couples - to begin in early February and become part of a team that provides care and guidance to boys and girls in need. Our Family Teachers are truly the backbone of our organization as they provide direct care for the children that call Mooseheart home.

This live-in role offers more than a job: it's a chance to make a lifelong impact by providing guidance, stability, and a nurturing, family-style home for youth who need it most.

Please note:

Whether applying as an individual Family Teacher or as part of a Family Teacher couple, each person must submit a separate application for employment.

• Salary: $43,500–$45,000 per person
• Paid living expenses:
  Includes rent and utilities, plus a monthly household budget
• Benefits package:
  Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid training
• Opportunities for bonuses
• Company vehicle for work-related use

• Live on-site in a Mooseheart Family Home and provide direct care, structure, and supervision for at-risk youth (each home averages 6–10 youth depending on age and enrollment)
• Create a warm, emotionally supportive home environment that builds confidence and emotional well-being by providing positive feedback, empathy, and use of the Teaching Family Model
• Teach essential life skills - communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking - assist with behavioral challenges, and help youth work through personal issues
• Support youth through emotional and behavioral challenges with compassion and consistency
• Prepare meals, plan engaging activities, and build family routines
• Manage household needs including budgeting, shopping, and transportation
• Maintain cleanliness in both the home and personal quarters to ensure homes are always "guest-ready" and personal quarters are accessible in case of emergency
• Work closely with educators, specialists, and a strong support team to ensure youth are cared for with the utmost attention
• Respond to youths' needs overnight while on duty
• Adhere to policies related to safety and boundaries
• Attend required trainings to ensure adherence to organizational protocols and policies
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to pass MVR check
• Ability to pass background checks, reference verification, and psychological evaluation
• Willingness to complete 3-week paid training at Mooseheart
• Ability to meet smoke-free, drug-free, and weapon-free policy requirements

Other Duties:
This job description incorporates the essential functions and duties required for this position. However, other duties may be assigned as determined by a supervisor to meet organizational needs.

Note:

When on duty, you are working 24 hours for those days, and supervision occurs at all times when youth are awake.

This is a live-in caregiver role with a consistent rotation:

• 5 days on / 2 days off, plus an additional day off every 4 weeks
• Mornings:
  Prepare youth for the school day
• School hours:
  Paperwork, meetings, training, and personal time
• Afternoons/Evenings:
  Homework help, meals, activities, and family routines
• Weekends/Summer:
  Outings, sports, volunteering, and memorable traditions

Established in 1913, Mooseheart has served as a residential child care community committed to giving at-risk youth a safe home, caring mentors, and a path to a brighter future. Our 1,000-acre campus provides structure, education, and enrichment to children from infancy through high school.

Our Family Teachers are at the heart of our mission - role models, caregivers, and guides who help young people grow into confident, capable adults.