What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Development Specialist position at Milton Hershey School?
Job Description
The Youth Development Specialist role at Milton Hershey School involves married couples serving as houseparents for disadvantaged youth in a structured living environment. Couples provide guidance, handle student needs, and assist in creating a family-like atmosphere for approximately 8-12 students.
This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and unique opportunities for professional development while living on campus.
About Milton Hershey School
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—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 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.
Benefits
Couples can expect:
- A competitive salary package totaling around $150,000 per couple (including free housing, meals, 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
- A schedule of nine days on followed by three days off, with personal time while students are at school
- Three-week paid summer vacation
Qualifications
To be considered for this role, couples must:
- Have experience working or volunteering with youth, preferably from under-served settings
- Be 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
- Limits on pets: only fish and one dog of approved breeds are permitted
- Hold a valid driver's license and be able to become certified to drive student home vans
- Be comfortable leading students in daily devotions and taking students to Judeo-Christian Sunday chapel services (Note: Proselytizing is prohibited)
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Demonstrate a high degree of integrity as all staff are role models for students
- Complete individual employment applications
This is a unique career path that takes consideration and commitment from both spouses.
Salary : $150,000
