Youth Development Specialist

About the School

Located in Hershey, PA, the Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a premier home and school providing an extraordinary, cost-free, career-focused education to over 2,200 pre-K through 12th-grade students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Established in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey, the school is fully endowed, ensuring that its mission to serve students continues to expand. With over 12,000 graduates, MHS remains a testament to the founders' foresight and generosity.

About the Role

MHS is seeking married couples to serve as Full-time Flex Houseparents in a unique, life-changing career. In this role, couples reside in on-campus student homes to provide care, guidance, supervision, and support for a group of approximately 8–13 students. Flex Houseparents play a vital role in creating a structured, family-like environment that fosters students' academic, emotional, and social development, enabling them to reach their full potential.

This position begins with a flexible schedule where houseparents support various student homes, working nine consecutive days on duty followed by three days off. During weekdays, houseparents have unscheduled time while students are in school. Over time, successful Flex Houseparents transition into a Placed Houseparent role, living and working permanently with the same group of students in their own home.

Hiring Process

This is a two-person role requiring both spouses to be legally married for at least two years and at least 27 years of age. For consideration, both spouses must complete individual employment applications. To learn more about the position and to apply, please visit www.mhskids.org.

Our Culture

MHS staff serve as role models for students, requiring a demonstrated commitment to integrity and professionalism. The campus is smoke-free and weapon-free, with no alcohol permitted while on duty. The environment is deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian values, with houseparents expected to lead daily devotions and accompany students to Sunday Chapel services, though proselytizing is prohibited.