Few jobs ask as much of a couple, or give as much back, as being house parents. Children's homes, residential youth programs, group homes, youth ranches, boarding schools and faith-based family care organizations hire couples to live with a group of kids and give them what a lot of them have never had: a stable, structured, caring home.
FEATURED JOB OPENING: Group Home House Parents - $3500 Bonus & Relocation Assistance Offered - Tucson, AZ
FEATURED JOB OPENING: House Parent Couple - Signing Bonus and Relocation Provided! - Amarillo, TX
FEATURED JOB OPENING: Family Teaching Couples - Various Locations
FEATURED JOB OPENING: Houseparents, Full-Time - Hershey, PA
FEATURED JOB OPENING: Residential House Parent (Married) - Hixson, TN
FEATURED JOB OPENING: Relief Houseparents - Raleigh, NC
FEATURED JOB OPENING: House Parents/Bridge Parents - North Carolina
FEATURED JOB OPENING: House Parents - Amarillo, TX
FEATURED JOB OPENING: Houseparent/Respite Houseparent GNB - Canton, GA
FEATURED JOB OPENING: Primary and Relief Houseparent Couple - Waleska, GA
Not seeing the perfect opportunity today?
Job listings by nature are temporary. This is why a job search can’t be a one time situation. If you really want to find the perfect couples position, you have to watch what becomes available over a period of time.
We can’t predict the future job listings in this section, but if you want to see the types of positions you can expect over time, we suggest you take a look at the archived jobs. These jobs are not currently open, but we keep the titles and descriptions available, so that you can get a better feel for the jobs that do get posted in this category and/or location.
Houseparent jobs are hands-on family life on a larger scale. Couples get kids up and off to school, help with homework, cook or oversee meals, drive to appointments and activities, teach life skills, and handle the hard moments with patience and consistency. Many programs follow a set model of care and train new house parents in it, so a willingness to learn their approach often matters as much as prior experience.
These are typically live-in roles in a cottage or family-style home on campus, and many include meals and utilities. Schedules vary. A lot of programs work in rotations, with several days on duty followed by days off while relief staff step in.
Many organizations look specifically for married couples. When you apply, describe your experience with children and teens, whether as parents, foster parents, teachers, coaches or youth leaders. Note your own children if you have them, since policies differ, and be ready for thorough background checks.
House Parent Jobs for Couples: frequently asked questions
Do house parent jobs include housing?
Yes. Houseparent roles are typically live-in, in a home or cottage on the campus, and many also cover meals and utilities. Check each listing for the details.
Do you have to be married to be house parents?
Many programs hire married couples only, and others are open to any committed couple. The listing will usually say.
Can house parents bring their own children?
Some programs welcome your children living with you and others can't accommodate them. Ask before you apply.
What qualifications do houseparents need?
Requirements vary by program and state. Most ask for a clean background check, a valid driver's license and experience with children, and many provide training.
What is a typical houseparent schedule?
Many programs use rotating schedules, with several days on duty followed by days off while relief staff cover the home.
How do residential schools, group homes, and youth ranches hire houseparent couples?
Residential schools, children's homes, and group homes can post houseparent couple openings at https://workingcouples.com/pricing and search the houseparent resume database while their job is live. Registered non-profit houseparent organizations receive discounted posting rates when logged into their employer account, and multi-home organizations can use swappable monthly Recruiter Plans ($599/month for up to 3 live listings or $899/month for up to 5 live listings, 30 days per purchase, no auto-renewal) or a 12-Month Extended Premium Listing ($1,549/year, or $749/year for verified non-profits) at https://workingcouples.com/volume-pricing.
If you feel called to this work, create your free profile and start applying to house parent opportunities for couples.
Sign up free