Job Details

Bridge Parents (House Parents) - Bridging Futures

Location: Bridging Futures homes currently located on our Crossnore, NC (Avery County) and Winston-Salem, NC campuses, and in the Smoky Mountain Region.

Schedule: This is a full time, 24/7, live-in position. Housing and up to 4 days respite per month provided. The Bridging Futures homes are not able to accommodate employees' children.

Your Impact: Crossnore Communities for Children is looking for couples (i.e. partners, spouses, relatives, friends) to join our Bridging Families program. Each Bridge home can accommodate up to 6 young adults. Bridge Parents (BPs) provide a safe, therapeutic, stable, nurturing home for clients (young adults aged 17-21) in foster care. BPs will collaborate with the community, Social Services, schools, and other supportive partners to determine the needs of children and provide culturally competent parenting that focus on strengthening resilience, increasing social and emotional skills, providing safety, and developing life skills to supporting a client's transition to adulthood.

Hiring Range: $84,000 - $96,000 annually as a couple (offer per person $42,000 - $48,000) and Housing provided; $3000 SIGN ON BONUS PER PERSON

• Compensation is based on experience and qualifications. Candidates who meet only the minimum requirements can expect to start at the beginning of the range, while those with additional and relevant experience and/or advanced skills may be considered for higher starting pay within the range.

Pre-Hire Requirements :

• Must successfully complete extensive background checks, interviews, and pre-hire drug screen

Benefits:

• Defined Contribution Benefits Plan including options for:
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance - $0 copay for mental health visits with our health insurance
  • Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Plans
  • Critical Illness and Accident Coverage Options
  • Flexible Spending Plan
• 401k with Employer Match (up to 6%)
• Paid Parental Leave - Based on Tenure
• Ongoing Training

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED required. Bachelor's degree in human services or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two years experience in working with children/young adults required, preferably in a mental health or child welfare setting. Experience working with youth that have experienced trauma, been diagnosed with mental or behavioral health challenges, or other at-risk populations preferred.
• Prior residential/house parent experience or previous foster parent experience and knowledge of age-appropriate living skills strongly preferred.
• Must be able to attain and maintain a NC foster care license.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrates knowledge of child development and how trauma affects behavior.
• Works effectively within a team-based model to support clients and families.
• Shows a strong passion for serving youth and young adults ages 17-21.
• Communicates clearly in both verbal and written formats and interacts professionally with others.
• Responds calmly and decisively in crises and understands cultural factors that influence care.
• Uses computer software proficiently, including Google and Microsoft programs.
• Maintains accurate files, electronic medical records, and case logs with strong attention to detail.
• Works well with others, adapts to changing schedules, and builds positive relationships with youth, staff, and partners.
• Is willing and able to live in an agency home.
• Has a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, auto insurance, and a clean driving record.

Key Responsibilities:

Youth Care & Supervision

• Live on-site and provide 24/7 care for up to six young adults ages 17-21 in foster care.
• Maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed home environment.
• Teach and model daily living skills, including hygiene, cooking, budgeting, and transportation navigation.
• Support youth as they work toward education, employment, and independent living goals.
• Facilitate healthy decision-making, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.
• Respond calmly and appropriately to crises or behavioral challenges.

Program Implementation

• Implement Crossnore's care models, including Sanctuary, TBRI, and Empower Yourself Life Skills curriculum.
• Support youth with job searches, college applications, financial literacy, and community activities.
• Conduct household meetings, plan outings, and encourage participation in positive social experiences.

Daily Operations

• Manage household budget, meals, chores, and transportation needs.
• Ensure vehicles and home environment meet safety standards.
• Oversee medication administration and attend medical appointments as needed.
• Welcome volunteers and support providers entering the home.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete daily notes, incident reports, logs, and state-required documentation within deadlines.
• Maintain compliance with foster care licensing standards and agency policies.
• Participate in trainings and meet annual continuing education requirements.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build professional partnerships with DSS workers, therapists, educators, and legal professionals.
• Maintain healthy boundaries while supporting family connections when appropriate.
• Communicate resident progress and concerns to supervisors promptly.

Note: This job ad is a summary of the position and its requirements. For a full list of responsibilities and qualifications, please refer to the detailed job description which can be sent to you upon request.