Houseparent (Child Care Specialist)

About Family Haven

Family Haven is a nonprofit social services organization dedicated to building a community of happy, healthy individuals and families. With locations in Orem and Lehi, Utah, we provide a range of family support programs designed to strengthen relationships and promote long-term well-being.

Our Crisis Respite Nursery provides a safe, home-like environment for children from newborn through age 11. Many of the children we serve are experiencing family circumstances that may put them at risk for abuse or neglect. While their parents take care of difficult or stressful situations, we give children a place where they can play, feel safe, and simply be kids.

We are seeking a Houseparent
to help create that environment. This is a childcare-focused position for someone who enjoys working with children and wants to be a positive, dependable adult in their lives.

As a Houseparent, you will provide day-to-day care for children in our Crisis Respite Nursery. You will help children feel comfortable and cared for by providing a safe, predictable, and welcoming environment where they can play and interact with healthy adult role models.

Children in the nursery range from newborns to age 11, so this position involves caring for children at a variety of developmental stages. Some children may arrive feeling worried, upset, or overwhelmed by circumstances outside of the nursery. You don't need to have specialized training in trauma, we will provide training and support. What matters most is that you are patient, dependable, attentive, and able to respond to children with kindness and consistency.

What You'll Do

• Provide attentive, nurturing care and supervision for children from newborn through age 11.
• Help create a calm, safe, and home-like environment where children can relax and be themselves.
• Engage children in age-appropriate play, activities, reading, and other positive experiences.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks and assist children with eating as needed.
• Help with children's basic personal care, including diapering, toileting, bathing, and hygiene.
• Respond to children's needs and behaviors with patience, compassion, and appropriate boundaries.
• Serve as a positive and healthy adult role model for the children in your care.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized nursery environment, including basic cleaning and tidying.
• Supervise and provide direction to volunteers who assist in the nursery.
• Complete basic records and documentation related to children's care.
• Communicate with other Family Haven staff about children's needs, behaviors, or concerns.
• Follow Family Haven's policies and procedures related to child safety, confidentiality, supervision, and mandated reporting.

What We're Looking For

• You genuinely enjoy being around children and are comfortable caring for children ranging from newborns through age 11.
• You have at least 6 months of experience working with children, either professionally or personally. Experience as a parent, babysitter, nanny, teacher, daycare worker, camp counselor, or in another childcare setting can all be valuable preparation for this position.
• You are patient, kind, and able to remain calm when a child is upset, frustrated, or having a difficult day.
• You understand that children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling and are willing to respond to challenging behavior with patience and compassion.
• You are dependable and understand that consistency is especially important for children who may be experiencing stress or uncertainty.
• You are comfortable taking care of the practical parts of childcare, including meals, diaper changes, bathing, cleaning, and keeping the nursery organized.
• You are comfortable interacting with parents, volunteers, and other Family Haven staff in a professional and respectful way.
• You can follow established safety procedures and recognize when you need to ask for help or involve another staff member.
• You are willing to learn about trauma-informed childcare, child safety, and Family Haven's policies and procedures.
• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must be able to pass a criminal background check administered by Family Haven.
• CPR/First Aid certification and a Food Handlers Permit are required. If you don't already have them, Family Haven will help you obtain them.
• A degree or specific childcare certification is not required. We are most interested in your ability to care for children, communicate well, and create a safe and supportive environment.
• Available shifts: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or Monday through Thursday 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

What We Offer

• Paid holiday closures for half-time employees.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual for half-time employees.
• A supportive, mission-driven team environment where you will be trained and supported in your role.
• Meaningful work helping children and families in our community.
• Ability to bring one child with you.

If you enjoy working with children and want to give them a safe place to play, feel cared for, and be themselves, we'd love to hear from you.