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 the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey, the school is fully endowed and has grown to include over 12,000 graduates. MHS continues to expand its mission to serve more students, ensuring they have the resources to reach their full potential.

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 are vital to creating a structured, family-like environment that fosters academic, emotional, and social development.

The 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, Flex Houseparents transition into a Placed Houseparent role, living and working with the same group of students in their own dedicated home. This career requires a high level of commitment to student success from both spouses.

Hiring Process

To be considered for this two-person role, both spouses must complete individual employment applications. For more information and to 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 includes leading daily devotions and accompanying students to Judeo-Christian Sunday Chapel services, with proselytizing prohibited. We welcome couples who are legally married for at least two years, both aged 27 or older, and who share our commitment to the well-being of our students.