Respite House Parent

Crossnore Communities for Children • Hendersonville, NC

2d • $37,000 - $43,000

About The Position

As a Respite Bridge Parent, you will play a vital role in supporting children in foster care by providing continuation of care in a safe, therapeutic, and nurturing home while full-time live-in Bridge Parents are on respite. Your work helps children and families heal from cycles of trauma and supports brighter, more stable futures by promoting resilience, healthy habits, education, and personal growth. You will serve as a positive role model and mentor, helping children build confidence, life skills, and emotional well-being. As part of a collaborative and compassionate team, you’ll work alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to making a meaningful difference, all while finding purpose, fulfillment, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Minimum of two years experience in working with children and families required, preferably in a mental health or child welfare setting.
• Culturally Competent Parenting: Ability to care for children of all ages, races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, disabilities, and backgrounds.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Knowledge of child development and how it is impacted by trauma; ability to provide trauma-informed care and support.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to interface well with others, including children, birth parents, and professionals.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing situations, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and those of others; empathetic and compassionate approach to working with children and families.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others, including birth parents, professionals, and community partners.
• Resilience and Self-Care: Ability to manage stress and prioritize self-care to maintain a high level of emotional and physical well-being.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.
• Prior residential / house parent experience or previous foster parent experience and knowledge of age appropriate living skills strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• As assigned to provide respite, resides onsite and provides twenty-four-hour support and supervision for up to 6 foster youth.
• Ensures the physical, emotional, educational, social, spiritual and cultural needs of each individual resident are met, and appropriate safety and supervision of all residents is maintained.
• Responsible for the implementation, compliance, and documentation of Foster Care licensing regulations and Crossnore Communities for Children’s Policies and Procedures.
• As an active part of a multidisciplinary team, assesses foster youth(s) needs related to service plans, meeting treatment objectives, and providing support and assistance in developing appropriate parenting techniques and emotional climate, including crisis and trauma-informed interventions.
• Maintains professional relationships, clear communication, and consistent contact with placement workers, case managers, therapists, teachers, advocates, attorneys, psychiatrists, doctors, dentists, child welfare professionals, and other supportive partners.
• Administers medications as instructed, attends all scheduled medical appointments, and follows through with any and all recommendations made by the medical professionals.
• Monitors school attendance, assists with homework and projects, participates in school activities, and advocates for youth’s needs within the school system.
• Reports all issues, concerns, problems, or situations that may adversely affect the welfare and safety of the youth, staff, or program to the Supervisor or Program Director.
• Participates in all mandatory trainings provided by or identified by Crossnore as necessary to support the day to day requirements of the position as well as supplemental trainings, support groups, and meetings; Individual/Group Supervision; all applicable agency/state trainings and meetings.
• Welcomes volunteers in the organization and assists them in accomplishing their services wherever applicable.

Benefits

• Defined Contribution Benefits Plan including options for: Health/Dental/Vision Insurance - $0 copay for mental health visits with our health insurance
• Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability plans
• Critical Illness and Accident coverage options
• Flexible Spending Plan
• 401k with employer match (up to 6%)
• Paid Parental Leave - Based on Tenure
• Ongoing Training

What This Job Offers

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