Respite House Parents

Crossnore • Asheville, NC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Respite Bridge Parents (Respite House Parents) - Seeking Couples or Applicant Pairs. Applicants should apply with an identified spouse, partner, family member, or friend, as this role is designed to be filled by two individuals working together as a team. This opportunity is designed for couples or two applicants applying together as a caregiving team. Positions are available as either Full-Time, working approximately 16 full days per month (benefits eligible), or PRN/Part-Time, working up to 12 days per month (non-benefits eligible). Respite Bridge Parent teams provide coverage for Bridging Families and Bridging Futures program homes across Western North Carolina, including Avery County, Hendersonville, Winston-Salem, the Metrolina region, and the Smoky Mountain region. Overnight stays in program homes are required for the duration of each respite assignment and may include weekends and holidays. Respite assignments typically last 4 consecutive days (24-hour coverage, 4 full days) and may extend up to 7 days at a time. Additional travel throughout the region may include visits to agencies, clinics, hospitals, offices, schools, and community activities. As a Respite Bridge Parent team, you will provide stability, care, and support for children in foster care while full-time live-in Bridge Parents are on respite. Together, you will create a safe, therapeutic, and nurturing home environment that helps children heal from trauma, build resilience, and develop the skills needed for long-term success. This role offers a unique opportunity for couples or caregiving partners to make a meaningful difference together. You will serve as positive role models, helping children develop confidence, healthy relationships, life skills, and emotional well-being while working alongside a compassionate team dedicated to supporting children and families.

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

• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED