Youth Development Specialist

The Youth Development Specialist role involves married couples acting as flex houseparents at Milton Hershey School, providing a nurturing environment for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Responsibilities include managing daily household tasks, supporting students academically and socially, and fulfilling administrative duties. The position offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of youth in a supportive community.

Milton Hershey School is one of the world's best private schools, where students in pre-K through 12th grade from disadvantaged backgrounds receive an exceptional career-focused education with housing, meals, and more—and all costs are covered.

Thanks to the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey, who founded the school in 1909, the school is fully endowed and has the resources to ensure both students and staff are provided everything they need to thrive.

MHS is hiring married couples to become flex houseparents. Flex houseparents are couples who reside in on-campus student homes, guiding and nurturing a group of approximately 8-12 students. Flex houseparents provide a consistent family-like structure for students and handle responsibilities such as driving, administering medication, budgeting, reporting, etc. When initially hired, flex houseparents cover different student homes before being assigned to one specific home.

Benefits

Salary of $43,825 per person (a total compensation package of approx. $150,000 per couple which includes free housing, meals while on duty, utilities, and more)
Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings and flexible spending accounts; life insurance; disability options; retirement savings
Relocation assistance and paid training provided
Schedule of nine days on followed by three days off. Workdays include a period of personal time while students are at school
Three-week paid summer vacation

Qualifications:

Experience working or volunteering with youth, preferably from under-served settings
This is a two-person job for couples who have been legally married for at least two years
Both spouses should be age 27 or older
No more than three dependent children may reside in the student home
Abide by a smoke-free and weapon-free campus. No alcohol is permitted while on duty
Limitations on pets. Only fish and one dog of approved breeds is permitted
Valid driver's license; ability to become certified to drive student home vans
Couples must be comfortable leading students in daily devotions and take students to Judeo-Christian Sunday chapel services (Note: Proselytizing is prohibited)
High school diploma or GED required
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Candidates must demonstrate a high degree of integrity as all staff are role models for students.
Both spouses must complete an individual employment application

This is a unique career path that takes consideration and commitment from both spouses. If you have any specific questions before or after applying, please reach out to our recruitment team.

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