PT Weekend Relief
Houseparent FAQ's

What background checks are required before we begin working as Part-Time Weekend Relief houseparents?

The following items must be completed and received in Human Resources before you can begin working: School Personnel Health Record - (Health evaluation and a T.B. test), ACT 34 - PA State Police Background Check, ACT 151 - PA Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Background Check (verification form) if applicable.

How will I be notified of my start date and time?

Human Resources will notify the Home Life Program once all the above documents have been returned and you have met the satisfactory requirements. The Home Life Office will contact you to schedule three consecutive weekend orientations at the student home.

What is the work schedule?

You must report to the student home by 6:00 PM Friday evening and remain at the student home until 9:30 PM Sunday evening. The normal schedule is 18 weekends per year. However, you may be called and asked if you would like to work additional time. The choice is up to you.

Is the Part-Time Weekend Relief Houseparent position part of a bargaining unit?

Yes, the position is a union position. The bargaining unit, which represents Houseparents/Relief Houseparents, is Chocolate Workers-Local 464. You would pay union dues according to the amounts determined by the Union.

Are we permitted to bring our own children to the student home when we work on the weekends?

Dependent children are permitted to accompany their parents for the weekend. It is strongly encouraged that your children participate in student home activities and eat meals with the student home family.

Will I be permitted to bring my family pet to the student home?

Relief Houseparents are not permitted to bring their pets to the student home because many of the students are affected by various airborne allergies.

Can I leave the student home during the weekend to go to another job?

When you accept the position of Relief Houseparent you are committing to the every other weekend work schedule reporting by 6:00 PM Friday evening and remaining until 9:30 PM Sunday.

May I smoke in the student home?

Milton Hershey School is a tobacco-free campus. All School property is considered tobacco-free, including the School-owned vehicles, School buildings, and all properties, including outdoor properties. Violations to the policy will be administered under the provisions of the Disciplinary Action policy.

Will the students in the home be of the same gender?

Yes, all student homes are single gender.

What types of duties and responsibilities would we be expected to perform during the weekends?

You would typically be responsible for all meal preparation; transportation to and from scheduled activities; attending student activities and events (sporting events, performing art activities, shopping); interacting with students in the home (reading, homework, watching television, playing board games, outdoor activities); supervision and assistance to students as they follow the implemented chore program, shower time, and play time; provide problem solving strategies in the event of an emergency; attend chapel service on Sunday morning at 9:00 AM; greet parent/sponsors when they arrive at the student home to pick up and return their children from off-campus visits; and dispense medication to students who are under the care of our physicians or who are showing symptoms of minor illnesses, such as colds and headaches. There are, of course, other duties with which you will become familiar as you learn our school and the student home culture.

This Question for Couples ONLY - As a Part-Time Weekend Relief Houseparent couple, will we automatically be eligible for a Full-Time Houseparent position?

Serving in the role of Part-Time Weekend Relief Houseparent does not give preference or an automatic right to a full-time position. If you are interested in being considered for a Full-Time Houseparent position, you must interview for the position along with other non-Relief Houseparent applicants. Please review the Part-Time Weekend Relief Houseparent applying for Full-Time Houseparent process once you become part-time.