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, structure, 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 plan of care. The 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-related behaviors, and emotional/behavioral dysregulation 

• 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 property 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.