Residential Child Care - Direct Care Staff (Live-In Position)

MooseHeart Child City & School • Mooseheart, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Mooseheart Child City & School is seeking dedicated individuals or married couples to serve as Family Teachers. This live-in role involves providing direct care, guidance, stability, and a nurturing, family-style home for boys and girls in need. As the backbone of the organization, Family Teachers make a lifelong impact on the youth who call Mooseheart home. This position offers more than just a job; it's an opportunity to shape the future of America's youth.

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Paid training
• Opportunities for bonuses
• Company vehicle for work-related use
• Paid living expenses (includes rent and utilities)
• Monthly household budget

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED