Houseparents

Houseparents

Department: Residential Care

Reports To: Director of Programs / Residential Leadership

Employment Type: Full-Time, Live-In

Work Location: Seamark Ranch Campus

Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Position Summary

Seamark Ranch provides Christ-centered care, guidance, and support to children and families in need of hope and healing. Houseparenting at Seamark Ranch is a mission-oriented opportunity for married couples who desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families through short-term residential care . Houseparents are central to that mission, creating a consistency, st r ucture , and relational stability in a nurturing home setting where children experience healing and growth.

This live-in role calls for a couple who provide daily care, structure, encouragement, and spiritual guidance during a transitional season in each child’s life . Through everyday life , Houseparents model healthy relationships, reinforce appropriate boundaries , and support each child’s individualized p lan of care. T h e goal is to help children grow emotionally, socially, and spiritually, while modeling healthy relationships, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging .

Essential Functions

Create a safe, structured, and predictable home environment that promotes each child’s emotional regulation, healing and growth

Model healthy family life, communication, values, and personal responsibility

Provide consistent daily care, supervision, and support for children

Build trust through presence, stability, and positive relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries

Support goals established for each child in partnership with program staff

Nurture each child’s emotional, behavioral, developmental, social, and spiritual growth through a holistic approach to care

Model healthy adult behavior, communication, and conflict resolution

Provide spiritual leadership through example, encouragement, devotions, and faith-based activities

Maintain an organized, welcoming, and well-run household

Facilitate daily routines including meals, school preparation , activities and life skills development

Support Ranch operations, care and maintenance including the care/upkeep of the assigned home

Communicate regularly with leadership and team members

Complete required documentation and uphold all safety and reporting standards

Participate in training, meetings, and campus life

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Performs other duties as assigned

Supports campus-wide events and activities as needed

Required Qualifications

Married couple, married at least two years

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience caring for or working with children or youth

Ability to build strong, healthy relationships and provide consistent care

Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Ability to pass Level 2 background screening and drug screening

Willingness to live on campus as a condition of employment

Comfort working with children who exhibit challenges with attachment , trauma-relate d behaviors , and emotional /behavioral d ysregulation

Ability to meet all applicable state licensing and training requirements

A genuine desire to invest in the lives of children in a mission-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with youth from challenging backgrounds

Experience in caregiving, education, residential care, or ministry settings

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (social work, psychology, education, or counseling)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to build trust and connect relationally with children and teens

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to provide both structure and nurture in a home setting

Emotional maturity, patience, and consistency

Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Ability to model positive values, character, and behavior in daily life

Ability to support the spiritual development of children in a natural and relational way

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods

Ability to be active throughout the day, including walking, supervising activities, and responding to children’s needs

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations

Work Environment & Schedule

This is a live-in position on Seamark Ranch’s residential campus. Houseparents live in the home with the children and are actively engaged in daily life. The role includes a structured schedule with designated on-duty and off-duty time and requires availability for evenings, weekends, and overnight responsibilities.

Houseparents should expect consistent interaction with children, participation in campus activities, and time spent outdoors as part of ranch life. Seamark is a working 465-acre ranch with cattle, horses, and other animals along with agriculture programming; houseparents work with kids and staff to care for and maintain the p roperty as a core function of the program.

Benefits

Seamark Ranch offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and professional well-being of our houseparents. This role includes a unique residential component as part of the overall compensation and support provided.

Full-time houseparents are eligible for:

On-site housing provided as part of employment

Utilities included (as applicable)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-sponsored life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Ongoing training, support, and respite coverage

Opportunity to live and serve in a Christ-centered, mission-driven environment impacting the lives of children and families

Mission & Culture Alignment

Seamark Ranch is a Christ-centered organization where faith and values are integrated into daily life and care. Employees in this role are expected to support and participate in the spiritual life of the campus, help foster spiritual growth in the children they serve, and model behavior consistent with the organization’s mission, values, and Statement of Faith.

Background & Screening Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background screenings, drug testing, and any licensing or regulatory requirements applicable to the position.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time based on organizational needs.