House Parent
Summary
House parents are concerned with all the tasks relating to personal care, boarding accommodation, meals, study, recreation and weekend activities of children in a residential child care establishment. They usually live in or near the boarding establishment.
Duties & Tasks
House parents may perform the following tasks:
- ensure good behaviour of the children
- supervise and arrange activities that increase intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development
- make sure living and hygiene standards are maintained
- make sure students are attending classes
- lend a sympathetic ear to children with problems or provide counselling services
- perform minor domestic duties
- accompany students on weekend outings.
Specialisations
Boarding School Supervisor
A boarding school supervisor usually provides a similar service to that of house parents, and operates from a school boarding house. They provide accommodation facilities for students.
Personal Requirements
- concern for the wellbeing of young people
- understanding of students' needs and cultural differences
- sense of responsibility
- good leadership skills
- good organisational skills
- able to work closely with others in a community setting
- good health.
