Youth Development Specialist

About the Organization

Located in Hershey, PA, the Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a top-notch home and school where over 2,200 pre-K through 12th-grade students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive an extraordinary, cost-free, career-focused education. Established in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey, the school was fully endowed to ensure its longevity. Thanks to their foresight, MHS has over 12,000 graduates and continues to expand its mission to serve more students.

About the Role

MHS is hiring married couples to serve as Full-time Flex Houseparents in a unique and 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, helping them reach their full potential.

This position offers a distinct rhythm of life. Upon hire, Flex Houseparents initially support various student homes, following a schedule of nine consecutive days on duty followed by three days off. On weekdays, houseparents have unscheduled time while students are in school. This flexibility allows for meaningful engagement in daily devotions, recreational activities, and mentorship. Flex Houseparents eventually transition into a Placed Houseparent role, where they live and work with the same group of students in their own student home.

Hiring Process

This is a two-person role for couples legally married for at least two years. For consideration, both spouses must complete individual employment applications. To learn more and apply, please visit the official MHS careers page.

Our Culture and Values

MHS staff serve as role models for students, requiring demonstrated integrity and professionalism. The campus is committed to being smoke-free and weapon-free, with no alcohol permitted while on duty. The role involves leading daily devotions and accompanying students to Judeo-Christian Sunday Chapel services, with proselytizing prohibited. We seek individuals who are comfortable with these spiritual aspects of student life and are dedicated to the success of every child.