Cottage Houseparent (Primary) – Hutton Settlement

6/16/2025

Spokane, WA

Position: Cottage Houseparent (Primary) 

Salary: $50,000 (plus free housing and other benefits) 

Position: Cottage Houseparent (Primary) – Boys Cottage 

We are currently seeking a Primary Houseparent to join our boys’ cottage at Hutton Settlement. This is a unique opportunity to step into an already-established houseparent team, where one experienced houseparent will remain in place. You’ll have the chance to build strong, supportive relationships with youth while working alongside a dedicated partner in a stable, well-functioning cottage environment 

Position Description: 

Definition: In accordance with the Hutton Settlement values, mission and vision, serve as team-based parental figures within a cottage family unit. Provides a nurturing environment and supportive relationship for children in residence. A houseparent intern is responsible for the care of 6-8 children of varying ages between 6-18 years of age while under the supervision of houseparent partner and lead houseparent. 

Supervisor: Campus Director 

Schedule: Full-time (8 days on, 3/4 days off) – Houseparents must reside on-campus during shifts. 

Onboarding: Includes a thorough pre-service training provided to all houseparents, ensuring their readiness to effectively operate within our attachment-based parenting model. 

Responsibilities: 

HEALTH & WELLNESS 

  • Responsible for the development of resonant relationships with each assigned child, exercising major responsibility for the development of earned security and social- emotional growth through attachment-based parenting methods. Provides support to children to alleviate and address personal and family difficulties. 
  • Participates in Circle of Security parent consultations and related development practices for personal awareness and growth 
  • Promotes a sense of belonging for children in care through active participation in campus and community engagement activities. 
  • Teaches and encourages assigned children in the development of good habits and values through the implementation of a balanced cottage program, including clear expectations and approved discipline according to the agency discipline policy and primary houseparents’ cottage plan. 
  • Plans, supervises, and participates in the daily activities of cottage children including social/ leisure time, recreation, chores, school, and spiritual activities. 
  • Teaches health principles, and monitors and directs children’s personal hygiene. Prepares balanced, nutritional meals for assigned children. 
  • Monitors children’s medical and dental needs to include documentation of medication given. Assists with attendance at children’s counseling, medical, or dental sessions as needed. 

FAMILY MANAGEMENT 

  • Assists with the planning and implementation of weekly menu plan. 
  • Implements housekeeping program as defined by the primary houseparents, with the assistance of age-appropriate children for the development of a healthy work ethic and responsibility. Maintains standards of cottage cleanliness daily. 
  • Promotes sense of community contribution with children in care through assistance with maintaining the exterior grounds around the cottage and within determined areas of responsibility on campus. 
  • Assists with inventories and inspects entire cottage regularly, reporting all deficiencies to the Campus Director for replacement or repair. Conducts monthly fire drills. 
  • Organizes, encourages, assists, and supervises children’s educational activities within the cottage. Supports children in finding and expressing their gifts. Refers assigned children for remedial education as needed. 
  • Serves as a member of the houseparent team to assist with cottage decision-making and promote clear, consistent communication. 
  • Maintains healthy, supportive relationships and connections with children’s family and professional staff. 
  • Participates in staff conferences, in-service training programs, case meetings of children, and unit meetings as directed. 
  • Additional duties as determined by supervisor. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent degree or working toward towards a degree. College degree in relevant filed is preferred. 
  • One year of experience working or living with children and/or families. 
  • Willingness to live full-time on campus during shift rotation (individual bedroom/bathroom provided in each cottage). 

Job Type: Full-time 

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year 

Benefits: 

  • 401(k) 
  • Dental insurance 
  • Health insurance 
  • Paid time off 
  • Vision insurance 

Shift availability: 

  • Overnight Shift (Preferred) 
  • Night Shift (Preferred) 
  • Day Shift (Preferred) 

Ability to Commute: 

  • Spokane, WA 99206 (Preferred) 
  • Spokane, WA 99206: Relocate before starting work (Required) 

 Work Location: In person