Relief Caregiver

Organization

Palmer Home provides superior care for children while introducing the love of God through service to each individual child.
 

Position                                                                                                                                                      

Palmer Home is currently seeking a Relief Caregiver to provide compassionate supervision for up to 8 children in a home-like group setting during scheduled relief periods for Houseparents. The Relief Caregiver will collaborate with a professional, trauma-informed team to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. This approach is guided by the Whole Child Initiative, which emphasizes nurturing children across five key areas: educational, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual development. The ideal candidate will be mature, responsible, and driven by a ministry-focused and mission-oriented mindset.

Schedule                                                                                                                                                    

The Relief Caregiver provides care to the children to fill in for Houseparents who are on scheduled time off.  The Relief Caregiver will be provided housing and a vehicle to continue to provide seamless care to the children and youth at Palmer Home. The Relief Caregiver will also attend weekly staff meeting and periodic trainings as scheduled. 

Responsibilities

• Ensure basic physical needs of each child are met, proper nutrition is provided, a
  clean and sanitary home environment is maintained; this includes appropriate clothing,  healthy amounts of physical exercise, and doctor visits as needed.
  

• Collaborate with Case Managers and Houseparents to identify, address, or report any concerns, permissions, or specific needs.
  

• Participate in Whole Child Initiative certification and continued training.
  

• Participate in weekly staff meetings and other identified training.
  

• Maintain a clean and organized home environment. Responsibilities may include tasks such as laundry, washing dishes, sweeping, mopping as needed, and maintaining a clutter-free communal area.
  

• Effectively manage household budget and ensure allocated funds are being wisely spent. 

• Assist in the implementation of care plans for children.  

• Work collaboratively with other Houseparents and staff to uphold and maintain the campus living environment.
  

• Active participation in a local church and modeling Christian values at all times. 
  

• Transport children to and from school, necessary appointments, extra-curricular activities, or planned events, using a Palmer Home vehicle assigned to the cottage.
  

• Coordinate with Assistant Caregivers to arrange added support or supervision as needed for appointments, outings, and other activities.
  

• Meet with the Houseparent(s) of each cottage prior to your shift to discover the needs and routines of the children, so that these routines be kept consistent. These include chores, work program, morning and bedtime routines, hygiene, tutoring, extra-curricular activities, and medical needs. You shall also convey your identified planned activities or meal ideas to ensure there are no concerns or barriers to these plans.
  

• Meet with the Houseparent(s) of each cottage at the conclusion of your shift to
  share pertinent information from your time of relief. 
  

Qualifications

• Must be in agreement with the Palmer Home for Children Statement of Christian Beliefs and demonstrate a strong commitment to Christ consistent with the mission of Palmer Home status as a non-profit religious organization.
  

• Able and willing to collaborate in a close-knit community that works together as a team.
  

• Prior experience working with children.
  

• Able and willing to work in homes of either gender and any age group (0-17).
  

• An ability to understand and implement care plans.
  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  

• Must legally be able to work in the United States and pass a criminal background check.
  

• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
  

• Must be physically able to meet the basic needs of children under care.
  

• English language proficiency required.
  

• Must demonstrate flexibility and understanding due to unforeseen circumstances
  and multiple roles required in daily activity.
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this position.