House Parent - CAC

JAFCO•Sunrise, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This person is responsible for ensuring that a safe, structured and home-like environment is provided to children in the CAC Emergency Shelter and Respite Homes. This position is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the home, supervising direct care staff, and ensuring that a nurturing, safe, and structured environment is maintained for all residents and overnight respite clients.

Requirements

Staff must be physically capable of driving an automobile in a safe manner.
Must be able to lift to 35 pounds, stoop, bend, kneel, stand/walk up to 4 hours, and be capable of continuous activity with children; must be physically able to participate in and complete PCM Practitioner Level 2 certification (Professional Crisis Management).
Adaptability: Responsive to new demands and able to adapt to meet the needs of clients. Should be flexible, open to new ideas, and able to adjust strategies as needed.
Leadership: Ability to guide, support, and motivate direct care staff. Demonstrates accountability and holds others to consistent standards. Provides clear direction and constructive feedback.
Trauma-Informed Care: Understands the impact of trauma and applies trauma-sensitive practices in daily interactions. Maintains a calm, compassionate presence during crises.
Structure & Organization: Creates and maintains routines that promote safety, predictability, and consistency. Keeps the environment orderly and ensures tasks and schedules are followed.
Crisis Management & De-escalation: Recognizes early signs of escalation and responds effectively to prevent crisis. Uses approved techniques to manage behavior safely and respectfully.
Team Collaboration: Works effectively across disciplines and shift teams. Communicates clearly and respectfully to ensure continuity of care.
Effective Communication: Communicates clearly with children, staff, and external providers. Adjust communication style to meet individual developmental or sensory needs.
Commitment to Mission: A genuine passion for the organization's mission and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families with disabilities.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children, preferably in a residential, group home, or emergency shelter setting.
CPR, First Aid and Water Safety certification.
Must be capable of becoming PCM Practitioner Level 2 Certified.
Available to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as needed.
Available to be on call for emergencies.
Valid Driver’s License and cleaning driving record required.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Compassionate, patient, and emotionally resilient.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
Experience working with children and youth with developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
Supervisory or leadership experience in a care setting is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate, hands-on care to clients, supporting their physical, emotional, social, and recreational needs.
Responsible for providing structure in daily routines, ensuring the shelter environment is calm, organized, and predictable.
Accountable for ensuring all medical needs of child are met as directed by medical personnel.
Assist with transportation and arrange staffing for medical appointments, school, and extracurricular activities.
Responsible for supervising, mentoring, and training a team of direct care staff to ensure high-quality care and supervision of residents.
Create the schedule for direct care staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage for the shelter program.
Ensure staff complete all necessary paperwork for the shelter program.
Conduct annual and interim reviews of direct reports as well as provide corrective feedback when necessary.
Manage direct reports' electronic time records weekly, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
Ensure that all shift responsibilities and shelter routines (e.g., meals, hygiene, medication administration, bedtimes) are carried out effectively.
Plan and participate in engaging outings for shelter clients, considering safety and individual needs.
Collaborate with case managers, behavioral health staff, and other professionals to support the individualized needs of each child.
Respond appropriately to crises and behavioral incidents, using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
Offer staff guidance and intervention strategies to staff dealing with urgent crisis situations and behaviors.
Conduct shift changeovers and staff check-ins to ensure continuity of care and communication.
Monitor shelter cleanliness, safety, and compliance with licensing and organizational standards; submitting work orders as needed
Oversee inventory of household supplies, groceries, and children’s personal items assure that homes are well-stocked and organized.
Oversee the training of new direct care staff, reinforcing expectations and best practices.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of daily activities, incidents, fire drill logs, and observations.
Facilitate and participate in regular team meetings, training, and professional development activities.
Mindfully integrate the Trauma Informed Care Model and Person-Centered Approach into all procedures, practices, and daily interactions.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.