Family Teacher (Live-In Position)

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Mooseheart, IL

Are you ready to begin a meaningful new chapter shaping the future of America's youth? Mooseheart Child City & School is seeking Family Teachers - dedicated individuals or married couples - to begin in early April and become part of a team that provides care and guidance to boys and girls in need.

This live-in role offers more than a job: it's a chance to make a lifelong impact by providing guidance, stability, and a nurturing, family-style home for youth who need it most.

Please note: Whether applying as an individual Family Teacher or as part of a Family Teacher couple, each person must submit a separate application for employment.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary: $43,500–$45,000 per person
• Paid living expenses: Includes rent and utilities, plus a monthly household budget
• Benefits package: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid training
• Opportunities for bonuses
• Company vehicle for work-related use

Responsibilities

• Live on-site in a Mooseheart Family Home and provide direct care, structure, and supervision for at-risk youth (each home averages 6–10 youth depending on age and enrollment)
• Create a warm, emotionally supportive home environment that builds confidence and emotional well-being by providing positive feedback, empathy, and use of the Teaching Family Model
• Teach essential life skills - communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking - assist with behavioral challenges, and help youth work through personal issues
• Support youth through emotional and behavioral challenges with compassion and consistency
• Prepare meals, plan engaging activities, and build family routines
• Manage household needs including budgeting, shopping, and transportation
• Maintain cleanliness in both the home and personal quarters to ensure homes are always "guest-ready" and personal quarters are accessible in case of emergency
• Work closely with educators, specialists, and a strong support team to ensure youth are cared for with the utmost attention
• Respond to youths' needs overnight while on duty
• Adhere to policies related to safety and boundaries
• Attend required trainings to ensure adherence to organizational protocols and policies
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements

Required Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to pass MVR check
• Ability to pass background checks, reference verification, and psychological evaluation
• Willingness to complete 3-week paid training at Mooseheart
• Ability to meet smoke-free, drug-free, and weapon-free policy requirements

Other Duties: This job description incorporates the essential functions and duties required for this position. However, other duties may be assigned as determined by a supervisor to meet organizational needs.

Work Schedule (Example)

Note: When on duty, you are working 24 hours for those days, and supervision occurs at all times when youth are awake.

This is a live-in caregiver role with a consistent rotation:

• 5 days on / 2 days off, plus an additional day off every 4 weeks
• Mornings: Prepare youth for the school day
• School hours: Paperwork, meetings, training, and personal time
• Afternoons/Evenings: Homework help, meals, activities, and family routines
• Weekends/Summer: Outings, sports, volunteering, and memorable traditions

About Mooseheart

Established in 1913, Mooseheart has served as a residential child care community committed to giving at-risk youth a safe home, caring mentors, and a path to a brighter future. Our 1,000-acre campus provides structure, education, and enrichment to children from infancy through high school.

Our Family Teachers are at the heart of our mission - role models, caregivers, and guides who help young people grow into confident, capable adults.