Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Job description:
Position: Houseparent Team
Salary: $50,000 individual / $100,000 for pair (may include free housing and other benefits)
Definition: Hutton Settlement is a long-term children’s home serving youth for over 100 years in the Spokane Valley. In accordance with the Hutton Settlement values, mission, and vision, a houseparent serves as a team-based parental figure within a cottage family unit. We serve children and teens ages 6 to 18 who attend public school and live on our 300-acre campus in cottage homes. Many youth in our care have experienced trauma, disrupted attachment, neglect, abuse, loss, or chronic instability. Some struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, peer conflict, or difficulty trusting adults.
Our goal is not simply to manage behavior, we build earned security, emotional growth, and increasing independence.
Our Model of Care
Hutton practices trauma-informed, attachment-based parenting grounded in:
- Circle of Security principles
- Understanding the need behind behavior
- Relationship-focused accountability
- Social-emotional skill development
- Clear expectations with consistent, developmentally appropriate consequences
We believe connection comes before correction.
We believe behavior is communication.
We believe healing happens in relationship.
Supervisor: Campus Director
Schedule and Living Requirements:
This is a full-time, live-in position. Final placement as Primary or Relief Houseparent will depend on internal movement and applicant fit.
Primary Houseparents
- 9 days on, 5 days off rotation
- Reside on campus during scheduled work days
- During the school year, weekday responsibilities are typically 2:00pm to 9:00am
- Weekday hours between 9:00am and 2:00pm are generally considered off time while residents are in school
- Summer schedules adjust to reflect youth being on campus during the day
Relief Houseparents
- 7 days on, 7 days off rotation
- Reside on campus during scheduled work week
- Provide full cottage coverage and continuity while primary houseparents are off
Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities
Relationship & Youth Development
- Build consistent, trustworthy relationships with assigned youth
- Maintain a structured, predictable daily routine including shared meals, study hour, recreation, and family-style connection
- Teach and reinforce social-emotional skills such as communication, accountability, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution
- Implement trauma-informed discipline aligned with agency policy
- Support youth in public school success and extracurricular involvement
- Provide everyday parenting support including encouragement, redirection, celebration, and follow-through
- Support occasional evening transportation to practices, events, or appointments
Life Skills & Independence Development
- Intentionally teach age-appropriate life skills that prepare youth for adulthood
- Guide youth in laundry, cooking, cleaning, organization, and time management
- Teach budgeting basics, saving, spending decisions, and work ethic
- Reinforce responsibility through chores and shared household contributions
- Support increasing independence based on developmental readiness
Cottage & Household Management
- Plan weekly menus and prepare balanced, nutritious meals
- Manage cottage grocery shopping and food budgeting
- Oversee cottage budget and household purchasing
- Maintain a clean, safe, organized home environment
- Conduct safety drills and maintain required documentation
- Coordinate with therapists, educators, families, and internal support staff
- Participate in case meetings, staff trainings, and team communication
Campus Integration
Houseparents actively engage youth in campus programs including:
- Farm and garden initiatives
- Outdoor adventure programming
- Cultural competency education
- Community service and leadership opportunities
Qualifications
- High school diploma required; college degree preferred
- At least 6 months experience working with youth or families
- Ability to live on campus during scheduled rotations
- Emotional maturity, flexibility, and strong communication skills
- Commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based care
We hire both pairs and single adults. In some cases, two single adults may be paired together to serve as a houseparent team when alignment, communication style, and philosophy are strong.
Who Thrives in This Role
This position is well suited for adults who:
- Value structure and consistency
- Believe in accountability with compassion
- Are comfortable navigating teen behaviors and emotional dysregulation
- Want their work and daily life to align with meaningful mission
Houseparents at Hutton do more than supervise. They build homes, teach life skills, create belonging, and prepare young people for independent adulthood.
Hutton Settlement offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which may include:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Health insurance coverage
- Retirement plan with 401k options
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Ongoing professional development and training
- On-campus housing during scheduled work rotations
Hutton Settlement Children’s Home is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)
Location:
- Spokane, WA 99206 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person