Cottage Parent (Avery Campus)

Crossnore Communities for Children; Morganton (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

Disability plans

Flexible Spending Plan

401k with employer match

Ongoing Training

Housing/Meals included

Job summary

Crossnore Communities for Children seeks a Cottage Parent to provide holistic care for residents on campus in Crossnore, NC. The role includes supervising daily routines, meals, and activities while fostering independence and resilience among youth.

The position requires 7 days on / 7 days off with overnight stays on campus. Housing is not provided during off-shift weeks; reliable transportation is needed. Starting pay ranges from $35,000 to $41,000 annually, depending on experience.

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 working with at-risk populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a structured daily routine for residents, including meals, activities, and schooling coordination.
• Teach life skills such as laundry, hygiene, and budgeting.
• Oversee cottage budgets and food preparation; ensure safety and cleanliness of facilities.
• Collaborate with school staff and caregivers to support academic progress and behavior plans.
• Document incidents and medical information accurately and timely.

Skills

Life skills instruction

Crisis awareness

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Team collaboration

Communication

Independent judgment

Tech proficiency

Patience and creativity

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field

Tools

Email/Basic computers

Job description

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.

Benefits

• 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

Pre-Hire Requirements

• 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.

Skills/Competencies

• 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.
• Being a Cottage Parent means leading with compassion, patience, and strength. It means dedicating yourself to guiding young people through the hardest moments of their lives and helping them rediscover hope.

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.