Full-Time Houseparent FAQ's
What is the application process?
Since this is a live-in position, we must take a very thorough approach to the application process. Candidate couples begin the process by completing online applications. (If you have any difficulties with the online application, please call (717) 520-2300 for assistance.) Applications are reviewed and those considered to be a potential match for the position are contacted for telephone interviews. If the telephone interview indicates a potential match, the candidate couple is invited for an interview and campus visit that includes a stay in the student home (clearances must be attained in order to do so). Through the interview process, if candidates are found to be a potential match, they are asked to participate in an investigation. This process includes: validation of truthful statements in the employment application, financial history check, criminal history and child abuse checks, reference checks, and a visit to the couple's home by a private investigator. Medical checks also are required after offers are extended.
What documents or screenings are required prior to employment?
- Marriage license
- Social Security card
- Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) documents
- Valid driver's license (at time of application)
- Criminal history reports
- Pennsylvania child abuse history clearance
- FBI clearance
- School Personnel Health Record (health evaluation and TB test)
- In-depth investigation interview
Are the Houseparents' children allowed to attend Milton Hershey School?
No, according to the Deed of Trust established by Milton and Catherine Hershey, Houseparents' children do not meet the criteria for admissions (social and financial need) and, therefore, are not permitted to attend Milton Hershey School. Houseparents' children can attend local schools.
Can we have other full-time jobs during the day while the students are at school?
No, full-time employment is not possible given the Houseparents' schedule and requirements to be available to participate in parent/teacher conferences, staff development, training sessions, meetings, and other essential Houseparent duties and responsibilities.
What are the living arrangements for Houseparents?
Houseparents are provided a private apartment connected to their student home. There is a limit to the number of children that may reside in the apartment; no more than two dependent children are permitted full-time in the residence. Additionally, overnight guests must be approved by management. Also, there are specific limitations to pets. Drugs, alcohol, and weapons are not permitted in the student home or on campus. Smoking is permitted only in the houseparent apartments. Houseparents are required to carry personal renters' and liability insurance coverage. When first hired at MHS, Houseparents are typically in "flex" status and move between student homes before being assigned to a home of their own.
The apartments and student homes are all very well kept and comfortable living quarters. View the Houseparent apartment link to learn more about the accommodations.
What is the Houseparents' work schedule like?
Currently, Houseparents work a schedule of 12 days on and 2 days off, with supplementary time off according to the schedule outlined in the Houseparent contract. MHS continues to review scheduling options in consultation with the Houseparent union to identify the best schedules for the program and students. This may result in schedule changes for Houseparents. Thus, hired Houseparents must have the flexibility to adjust to necessary schedules in order to meet student and programmatic needs as identified by MHS. Currently, MHS is reviewing staffing models that include full-time relief, a 12 on-3 off schedule and other models that may create greater consistency, continuity, and success within the Home Life Program.
What are the expectations of the job?
Please carefully review the Houseparent job descripton.
What are the Houseparents' responsibilities in terms of the students?
The School takes a holistic approach to its responsibility to care for students. Houseparents play a key role in ensuring the student's physical, educational, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs are provided for. Milton Hershey School is founded on Judeo-Christian values. Houseparents are required to accompany students to Sunday Chapel Service (non-denominational) and to conduct daily devotionals.
What are the Houseparents' responsibilities in terms of the care and maintenance of the student home and surrounding area?
The primary responsibility of the Houseparent couple is to actively teach our students both independent living skills and self-responsibility. Part of the student home experience is participating in a developmentally appropriate chore program designed to perform the normal routine work necessary to maintain the student home and grounds. Houseparents are responsible for working side by side with the student to ensure that the necessary work is completed in an acceptable manner.
What are the Houseparents' responsibilities in terms of food ordering and meal preparation?
On weekdays, breakfast and dinner are typically provided in the student home, while lunch is provided at school. On weekends, all three meals are prepared in the student home. Houseparents currently have the option of either shopping for their food in the on-campus food store or having their food delivered to the student home (some food can be delivered either cooked or uncooked.)
What are the Houseparents' responsibilities in terms of student transportation?
Each student home is provided a 10-passenger van for group outings or for individual student activity transportation. Houseparents are responsible for all student transportation needs with the exception of a few co-curricular activities where bus transportation is available.
Do students remain on campus during the summer months?
Students are required to remain on campus for the first and last two weeks of summer wherein they can participate in programs designed specifically for them. All Houseparents are required to be on duty during these weeks.
What about compensation?
Milton Hershey School is fortunate to be able to provide very competitive salaries and excellent benefits to its staff. To learn more specifics, please review the Houseparent salary matrix link and the benefits link. Compensation growth is based on a years-of-service matrix as outlined by union contract. The Houseparent position is represented by the Chocolate Workers 464 Union and dues of $30 per month is required of each Houseparent.
I'm interested in this position, but I'd like to know more before applying. What should I do to learn even more?
Please feel free to call Jack Storm at (717) 520-3339. Jack has worked at Milton Hershey School for many years and is familiar with the School and the position and can be a great resource for additional information.
I do not know very much about Milton Hershey School and the Hershey Community. How can I get more information?
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has materials that describe the community, its history, shopping areas, housing, churches, cultural and arts activities, social and health services, recreation clubs and organizations, and maps of the area.
