What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Development Specialist position at Milton Hershey School?
The Youth Development Specialist position at Milton Hershey School involves married couples serving as houseparents for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These houseparents provide a nurturing environment and support a small group of students, managing daily responsibilities while living on campus. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, along with a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in students' lives.
Overview of Milton Hershey School
Milton Hershey School is one of the world's best private schools, providing an exceptional career-focused education with housing, meals, and more – 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.
Responsibilities of Flex Houseparents
Flex houseparents are married couples who reside in on-campus student homes, guiding and nurturing a group of approximately 8-12 students. They 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 of Being a Flex Houseparent
• Salary of $43,825 per person (a total compensation package of approx. $150,000 per couple, including 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
Key Skills and Qualities
Youth Development, Houseparents, Private School, Nurturing Environment, Disadvantaged Backgrounds, Flex Houseparents, Student Support, Career-Focused Education, Couples Job, Relocation Assistance
Salary : $43,825
