Live-In Youth Care Specialist

Crossnore • Hickory, NC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Live-In Youth Care Specialist, also called a Cottage Parent, lives on campus with a cottage partner during a seven-day work week and then has seven full days off. Cottage parents jointly run a home for up to nine children and teens, ages 0–18, who have experienced trauma. The role provides consistent, structured, trauma-informed care in a family-home setting, with support from caseworkers, therapists, supervisors, and a cottage partner. Full training is provided before starting.

Daily work includes helping children with morning routines, meals, school preparation, homework, chores, activities, and bedtime. Cottage parents also provide transportation to school, appointments, and activities; cook, do laundry, and maintain a comfortable home; respond calmly when children are overwhelmed; establish healthy boundaries and dependable routines; and teach life skills that help young people grow toward independence. Housing and meals are included while on shift.

The position is available in Crossnore, North Carolina (Avery County), or Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The hiring range is $35,000–$41,000 annually, with compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Patience, steadiness, and a genuine desire to make a difference for children.
• Ability to stay calm when emotions run high and not take difficult days personally.
• Ability to be both warm and firm and maintain dependable routines.
• Ability to work well with a partner and a team.
• Must successfully complete extensive background checks, interviews, and a pre-hire drug screen.
• Must be willing to care for the cottage dog.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• Experience caring for or working with children or teens, such as as a parent, foster parent, teacher, coach, youth worker, or in residential care or behavioral health.
• Residential child care experience.
• Knowledge of child development and/or prior experience working with at-risk populations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent care and support to children and teens who have experienced trauma.
• Share responsibility with a cottage partner for operating a home for up to nine children and teens ages 0–18.
• Manage morning routines, breakfast, and getting children to school on time.
• Support homework, chores, activities, shared dinners, and bedtime routines.
• Transport children to school, appointments, and activities.
• Cook, do laundry, and keep the home comfortable.
• Stay calm during difficult moments and use trained trauma-informed approaches.
• Teach life skills, set healthy boundaries, and support children’s development toward independence.
• Share notes and coordinate care with the cottage partner, caseworkers, and therapists.
• Care for the cottage dog.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term disability and long-term disability plans.
• Critical illness and accident coverage options.
• Flexible Spending Plan.
• Ongoing training.
• Housing and meals included while on shift.

What This Job Offers

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