Residential Family Teacher (Nights, Direct Care Staff)

Job Title:  Residential Family Teacher (Third Shift Direct Care Staff)

Qualifications: Bachelor degree in social sciences, education or related field from accredited institution preferred and minimum one year of experience working with children; or a similar combination of education and experience. Minimum of high school diploma or equivalency and minimum of one year of experience working with children required. Experience in Teaching-Family Model preferred. A valid SC driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.  Due to SC DSS requirements, applicants must be at least 21 years of age. 

Job Description: This position reports to the applicable Program Supervisor.  Through use of the Family Teaching Model, the Family Teacher applies his or her knowledge, training and experience to recommend and execute individualized treatment for each resident and a therapeutic daily schedule that meets the needs of all residents.  This includes ensuring compliance with organization policy and procedures. This full-time, salaried (exempt) position works from Monday-Friday 10pm-6am. This position is required to attend at least two Monday transition meetings each month.

Family-Teacher Responsibilities:

• Execute a therapeutic morning environment that includes dietician approved breakfast per the posted menu and organization policies.


• Provide teaching interactions that are individualized to meet each resident’s needs, per the Family Teacher’s training and experience. 


• Execute regular bed checks per organization policies and increase sleep supervision when children are new to the program or treatment needs indicate potential safety problems for that resident or other resident (every 20-30 minutes).


• Assess and respond to children’s needs specifically related to trauma, and apply knowledge, training and experience to develop an individualized course of treatment to address the effects of trauma.


• Apply knowledge, training and experience to develop a natural, supportive, structured home environment and build close relationships with youth, using his or her discretion and judgment to adapt based on individualized resident needs.


• Provide and execute all elements of the Teaching-Family Model program as trained and work with the team of Family Teachers to implement the program as trained.


• Execute the individual course of treatment for each resident, as developed by the Family Teacher and other treatment team members, by working with parents, teachers, mental health workers, guardians, Guardian Ad Litems and other adult supports to ensure each remains connected with maximum supports and resources.        


• Remain informed through the Program Supervisor and Child Advocate about local, state, federal and Teaching-Family Association standards and regulations pertaining to the provision of services to children and their families.

• Actively make individualized treatment plan recommendations for residents according to Family Teacher’s training, knowledge and experience and direct this treatment on a daily basis.


• Provide transportation for residents to and from personal appointments, religious services, place of employment, and other activities that are a part of the residents’ individualized courses of treatment, including establishing and maintaining long term relationships that may create normalcy and long-term supports for each child served.

•  Implement organization policy and procedures as written.


•  Complete all paperwork in a timely fashion, per organization policies, using organization forms.


• Keep track of expenditures related to the cottage, following the organization fund management policy.


• Provide daily teaching around life skills through individualized teaching interactions and by modeling the skill(s).


• Ensure that residents are adequately supervised, even when volunteers are present.


• This position is an integral part of the PQI process for HCFC through duties which include but are not limited to:

1. Recording and reporting on critical incidents


2. Inputting data into Extend Reach


3. Recording output data including supplemental education hours and family visits


4. Completing necessary assessments on clients within specified time frames


5. Completing other duties as assigned on the PQI Grid

• Other duties as required to meet treatment needs.

Necessary characteristics:  Must be committed to positive changes in children. Must be able to develop strong relationships with children and have understanding of issues impacting children in foster care; must have good problem-solving skills and perseverance in advocating for the best interests of each child served. Must exhibit a desire for professional growth as evidenced by accepting and responding to constructive feedback. Strong customer service, team leadership and critical thinking skills are essential.