Youth Development Specialist PA

Located in Hershey, PA, Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a top‑notch home and school serving over 2,200 pre‑K through 12th‑grade students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a cost‑free, career‑focused education. Established in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey and fully endowed, the school has graduated more than 12,000 students and continues expanding to serve more.

MHS is hiring married couples to serve as full‑time Flex Houseparents. In this unique career, couples reside in on‑campus student homes and provide care, guidance, supervision, and support for groups of approximately 8–13 students, creating a structured, family‑like environment that fosters academic, emotional, and social development.

• Providing daily supervision and mentorship
• Managing household routines and student schedules
• Administering medications and ensuring student wellness
• Driving students to activities, and planning and actively engaging in developmental and recreational activities
• Leading daily devotions and accompanying students to Sunday Chapel
• Overseeing budgeting and household reporting

Upon hire, Flex Houseparents support various student homes and follow a working schedule of nine consecutive days on duty followed by three days off. On weekdays, houseparents have unscheduled time while students are in school. Flex Houseparents eventually transition into a placed Houseparent role, living and working with the same group of students in their own home.

• Salary: $44,768.00 per person (approximately $168,000 total compensation per couple, including free housing, meals while on duty, utilities, and more)
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings and flexible spending accounts; life insurance; disability options; retirement savings
• Relocation assistance and paid training provided
• Paid time off provided at designated times throughout the year

• Experience working or volunteering with youth
• This is a two‑person role for couples legally married for at least two years
• Both spouses must be age 27 or older
• No more than three dependent children may reside in the student home
• Commitment to a smoke‑free and weapon‑free campus; no alcohol permitted while on duty
• Pet limitations: only fish and one dog of approved breeds allowed
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to become certified to drive student home vans
• Comfort leading students in daily devotions and accompanying them to Judeo-Christian Sunday Chapel services (proselytizing prohibited)
• High school diploma or GED required
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism; MHS staff serve as role models for students

This is a unique, challenging, and rewarding career and life choice that requires a high level of commitment to student success from both spouses. For consideration, both spouses must complete individual employment applications. To learn more and apply, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..