Milton Hershey School, a cost-free private residential school for children from pre-K through 12th grade, is seeking full-time Houseparents to live in and manage a student home on campus. In this unique role within the Education / Teaching / Administration and Community & Social Services space, you and your spouse/partner (or in some cases, an individual houseparent) provide daily care, structure, and supervision for a group of students, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Houseparents foster a nurturing, stable home environment that reflects Milton Hershey School’s commitment to diversity, personal growth, and holistic support.
Houseparents are responsible for creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive living environment where students can thrive. You coordinate daily routines such as wake-up, mealtimes, homework, recreation, and bedtime, and you support students in developing strong study habits, life skills, and positive character traits. You communicate regularly with teachers, administrators, health services, and other support staff to monitor student progress and behavior, and you collaborate with the broader MHS community to ensure students’ needs are met in a consistent, caring way.
This position requires strong role-modeling, as students look to Houseparents for guidance in behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. You will coach students in conflict resolution, social skills, and personal responsibility while maintaining clear expectations and consistent discipline that align with school policies. Houseparents also plan and participate in recreational activities, community service, and cultural experiences that expose students to new interests and support their personal development.
Because Milton Hershey School is a residential community, Houseparents work on campus and typically reside in school-provided housing attached to or near the student home. Schedules involve extended blocks of on-duty time balanced with scheduled time off. The role demands high levels of energy, empathy, patience, and organizational skill. Successful Houseparents are dependable caregivers who can manage household logistics such as meal planning, basic budgeting for home needs, coordinating transportation to school functions or appointments, and maintaining a clean, orderly living space.
Candidates should bring experience working with children or youth—such as teaching, coaching, social services, childcare, or residential care—and an understanding of the challenges many students from diverse and often under-resourced backgrounds may face. Houseparents must be comfortable working in a multicultural environment and committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and respect. Strong communication skills, teamwork, and a collaborative mindset are essential, as is the ability to follow established protocols and contribute to a professional, mission-driven culture.
Milton Hershey School offers a competitive compensation package that typically includes salary, benefits, and housing, along with comprehensive training and ongoing professional development in areas like child development, behavior management, and trauma-informed practices. This role is ideal for mission-oriented individuals or couples seeking meaningful, long-term work that directly impacts students’ lives, helping them build the confidence, resilience, and skills needed for future success.