House Parents

Crossnore•Asheville, NC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Crossnore Communities for Children is hiring couples (including partners, spouses, relatives, or friends) as Bridge Parents for its Bridging Families and Bridging Futures programs. This full-time, 24/7 live-in role is based in homes in Western North Carolina. Housing is provided, and up to four respite days per month are available. Home assignments depend on organizational needs and may change during selection or employment. The homes cannot accommodate employees’ children or dependents. In Bridging Families, house parents work with sibling groups of children age 18 and younger and partner closely with birth parents to support reunification. The program is endorsed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as the state model for professional foster parenting. House parents are active members of reunification teams, helping families heal, stabilize, and move safely toward being together again. The Bridging Futures program serves youth ages 17–21 who are preparing to age out of foster care. House parents provide stable housing, consistent adult support, and hands-on life-skills coaching as youth build independence, with a focus on education, employment, financial literacy, healthy relationships, and long-term stability. Compensation is $84,000–$96,000 annually per couple ($42,000–$48,000 per person), plus housing and a $3,000 sign-on bonus per person. Compensation depends on experience and qualifications. Candidates meeting only minimum requirements can expect to start at the beginning of the range; additional relevant experience or advanced skills may be considered for higher starting pay. Candidates must successfully complete extensive background checks, interviews, and a pre-hire drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
At least two years of experience working with children and families required, preferably in a mental health or child welfare setting.
An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Must be flexible and willing to work with youth of all ages, races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, disabilities, and backgrounds.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interface well with others.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in crisis situations and knowledge of cultural issues that can affect care.
Demonstrated ability to use sound discretion and independent judgment when developing and implementing decisions.
Computer literacy to complete documentation requirements.
Ability to work on diverse teams.
Reliable vehicle and relevant auto insurance, valid driver’s license, and clean driving record.
Must successfully complete extensive background checks, interviews, and a pre-hire drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
Prior residential or house-parent experience, or previous foster-parent experience.
Knowledge of age-appropriate living skills.
Knowledge of child development and how it is affected by trauma, or experience working with youth who have experienced trauma, mental or behavioral health challenges, or other at-risk populations.
Passion for serving children and the child-serving workforce.
Ability to laugh, be creative, and be willing to make and learn from mistakes.

Responsibilities

Provide round-the-clock care and supervision for up to six foster youth, meeting their physical, emotional, educational, social, spiritual, and cultural needs while maintaining safety.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to assess needs, develop service plans, provide trauma-informed care and interventions, and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders.
Implement and document compliance with foster care licensing regulations and organizational policies, completing required documentation promptly and professionally.
Monitor school attendance, assist with homework, advocate within the school system, administer medications, attend medical appointments, and follow through with medical recommendations.
Participate in mandatory and supplemental training, support groups, and meetings, and assist and support volunteers in their services.
Use therapeutic interventions to manage crises and maintain a safe environment.
Support residents’ growth and development by providing structure, routine, and appropriate supervision.
Partner with birth parents and reunification teams to help families heal, stabilize, and move safely toward reunification.
Provide stable housing, consistent adult support, and life-skills coaching to youth preparing to age out of foster care.

Benefits

Housing provided.
Up to four respite days per month.
Health, dental, and vision insurance, including $0 copay for mental health visits with the health insurance.
Life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability plans.
Critical illness and accident coverage options.
Flexible spending plan.
401(k) with employer match up to 6%.
Paid parental leave based on tenure.
Ongoing training.
$3,000 sign-on bonus per person.