Cottage Parent (Avery Campus)

Crossnore; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing/Meals included while on shift

401k with employer match

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid time off

Ongoing Training

Job summary

Crossnore Communities for Children seeks a Cottage Parent for the Avery Campus in Boone, NC. You will manage children and cottages, establish a daily routine, and teach essential life skills while ensuring safety and budget oversight in a nurturing, therapeutic setting.

The role requires overnight stays with a 7 days on / 7 days off rotation; housing is not provided during off-shift weeks. A high school diploma is required, with a Bachelor’s preferred and experience in residential child care

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Residential child care experience preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and/or experience with at-risk populations preferred.
• Understanding of age-appropriate independent living skills and ability to teach these skills effectively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a structured daily routine for residents from waking to bedtime.
• Teach and model essential life skills and manage cottage budgets.
• Collaborate with school staff and provide behavioral support for residents.
• Complete documentation including incident reports and medical records; ensure confidentiality and resident rights.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred

Residential child care experience preferred

Job description

Careers at Crossnore include a comprehensive benefits package to support employee health and financial well-being. Benefits include paid time off, paid parental leave (based on tenure), flexible work schedules when the role permits, a 401(k) with company match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and more.

Open Positions

Position:Cottage Parent (Avery Campus)

Location: Boone, NC

Job Id:4058

# of Openings:1

Cottage Parent (Avery Campus)

Location: Crossnore, North Carolina

Schedule: 7 days on / 7 days off (Tuesday–Tuesday shift rotation). This position requires overnight stays and remaining on campus for the full 7 days on-shift (including holidays). Housing is not provided during off-shift weeks. Reliable transportation to and from campus is required.

Your Impact

As a Cottage Parent at Crossnore Communities for Children, you will be more than just a caregiver - you’ll be a pivotal figure in shaping the lives of children and youth. Your role as a Cottage Parent involves providing not only for their basic needs but also creating a nurturing environment that fosters their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. By being a guiding hand and a stable presence, you’ll help young people thrive through some of life’s toughest challenges. You’ll make an incredible difference, encouraging them to develop life skills, face adversity with resilience, and build their confidence. You’ll be their support system as they heal and grow, offering them a chance at a brighter future.

A Day in the Life

As a Cottage Parent, you will manage children and cottages, and will be part of a team regarding each child in the cottage. You will help establish and maintain a steady daily routine for the children that you are responsible for, including: waking up, breakfast, transportation to school or appointments, daily chores and daily leisure activities and exercise, study time, personal hygiene, and bedtime. You will keep medical files and related reports for children, and also manage and account for all the money for groceries and special activities. You will prepare and provide the food for those you are responsible for, and ensure inspection-ready upkeep of the cottage facility and vehicle, with safety as your top priority. You will participate in regular, ongoing training, and you will model and teach daily living skills to children in care. May involve contact with clients and/or family members who may be hostile, resistant, and violent.

Hiring Range

$35,000 to $41,000 annually - Compensation is based on experience and qualifications. Candidates who meet only the minimum requirements can expect to start at the beginning of the range, while those with additional and relevant experience and/or advanced skills may be considered for higher starting pay within the range.

• Defined Contribution Benefits Plan including options for:
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance - $0 copay for mental health visits with our health insurance
  • Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability plans
  • Critical Illness and Accident coverage options
  • Flexible Spending Plan
• 401k with employer match (up to 6%)
• Ongoing Training
• Housing/Meals included while on shift
• Must successfully complete extensive background checks, interviews, and pre-hire drug screen
• Must be willing to take care of the Cottage dog.

• Must successfully complete extensive background checks, interviews, and pre-hire drug screen
• Must be willing to take care of the Cottage dog.

Education/Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor's degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Residential child care experience preferred.
• Knowledge of child development and/or prior experience working with at-risk populations preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Understanding of age-appropriate independent living skills and ability to teach these skills effectively.
• Experience in crisis situations and sensitivity to cultural factors in caregiving.
• Commitment to fostering an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism.
• Flexibility in working with children and youth from diverse backgrounds, including various races, nationalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills to collaborate effectively with a team.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion, especially in high-stress situations.
• Proficiency with basic technology (email, computers) is preferred.
• A sense of humor, creativity, and willingness to learn from mistakes.
• Enthusiastic about tackling challenges and passionate about helping children grow.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel for job-related purposes.

Job Duties

Parenting and Cottage Management

• As a Cottage Parent, you will ensure the basic needs of food, clothing, housing, and nurturing are met for each resident in your care.
• Maintain a structured daily routine, from morning wake-up to evening bedtime, encouraging participation in chores, recreational activities, and educational opportunities.
• Teach and model essential life skills, including laundry, personal hygiene, meal preparation, and even walking the cottage dog!
• Prepare wholesome, family-style meals and oversee the cottage budget to ensure financial stewardship.
• Collaborate with school staff, monitor academic progress, and provide consistent behavioral support for residents.
• Foster problem-solving and conflict resolution, guiding children through individual and group challenges.
• Provide loving supervision at all times, planning cottage activities that align with the therapeutic goals of the program.

Technical/Clinical Support

• Use leadership skills to cultivate a positive, growth-oriented environment that supports the emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of each resident.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team to assess and address each child’s unique needs and help them meet their goals through individualized Plans of Care.
• Create a therapeutic environment using the Sanctuary Model, offering structure, routine, and healthy boundaries to facilitate residents' growth.
• Maintain confidentiality and resident rights while offering tailored guidance in hygiene, grooming, and cultural considerations.

Documentation and Decision-Making

• Ensure timely completion of documentation, including incident reports, medical records, cottage budgets, and more.
• Make thoughtful, positive decisions that uphold the program’s mission, following program guidelines while using creative solutions to resolve crises.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in ongoing training to enhance your professional growth, completing at least 24 hours of continuing education annually.
• Flexibility is key—you may be asked to help cover other cottages when needed, always promoting a healthy and safe environment for all residents.

Note: This job ad is a summary of the position and its requirements. For a full list of responsibilities and qualifications, please refer to the detailed job description which can be sent to you upon request.