Provide direct care, structure, and supervision for at-risk youth within a live-in family home environment. Teach essential life skills and manage all household operations including budgeting, meals, and transportation.
Requirements summary
Must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma and a valid driver's license. Candidates must pass background checks, a psychological evaluation, and complete a three-week paid training program.
Mooseheart, IL Are you ready to begin a meaningful new chapter shaping the future of America's youth? Mooseheart Child City & School is seeking Family Teachers - dedicated individuals or married couples - to begin in early April and become part of a team that provides care and guidance to boys and girls in need.
This live-in role offers more than a job: it's a chance to make a lifelong impact by providing guidance, stability, and a nurturing, family-style home for youth who need it most.
Please note: Whether applying as an individual Family Teacher or as part of a Family Teacher couple, each person must submit a separate application for employment. Pay & Benefits
Salary: $43,500–$45,000 per person
Paid living expenses: Includes rent and utilities, plus a monthly household budget
Benefits package: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; paid vacation and sick leave
Paid training
Opportunities for bonuses
Company vehicle for work-related use
Responsibilities
Live on-site in a Mooseheart Family Home and provide direct care, structure, and supervision for at-risk youth (each home averages 6–10 youth depending on age and enrollment)
Create a warm, emotionally supportive home environment that builds confidence and emotional well-being by providing positive feedback, empathy, and use of the Teaching Family Model
Teach essential life skills - communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking - assist with behavioral challenges, and help youth work through personal issues
Support youth through emotional and behavioral challenges with compassion and consistency
Prepare meals, plan engaging activities, and build family routines
Manage household needs including budgeting, shopping, and transportation
Maintain cleanliness in both the home and personal quarters to ensure homes are always "guest-ready" and personal quarters are accessible in case of emergency
Work closely with educators, specialists, and a strong support team to ensure youth are cared for with the utmost attention
Respond to youths' needs overnight while on duty
Adhere to policies related to safety and boundaries
Attend required trainings to ensure adherence to organizational protocols and policies
Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to pass MVR check
Ability to pass background checks, reference verification, and psychological evaluation
Willingness to complete 3-week paid training at Mooseheart
Ability to meet smoke-free, drug-free, and weapon-free policy requirements Other Duties: This job description incorporates the essential functions and duties required for this position. However, other duties may be assigned as determined by a supervisor to meet organizational needs. Work Schedule (Example) Note: When on duty, you are working 24 hours for those days, and supervision occurs at all times when youth are awake. This is a live-in caregiver role with a consistent rotation:
5 days on / 2 days off, plus an additional day off every 4 weeks
Mornings: Prepare youth for the school day
School hours: Paperwork, meetings, training, and personal time
Afternoons/Evenings: Homework help, meals, activities, and family routines
Weekends/Summer: Outings, sports, volunteering, and memorable traditions About Mooseheart Established in 1913, Mooseheart has served as a residential child care community committed to giving at-risk youth a safe home, caring mentors, and a path to a brighter future. Our 1,000-acre campus provides structure, education, and enrichment to children from infancy through high school. Our Family Teachers are at the heart of our mission - role models, caregivers, and guides who help young people grow into confident, capable adults.
Market context
Live-in family support role in Illinois
In Illinois, live-in family teacher roles are often competitive because they combine direct youth support with residential responsibilities, so employers look closely at reliability, maturity, and comfort with structured routines. This position requires being at least 21, a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, background checks, a psychological evaluation, and a three-week paid training program. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your fit for the schedule and live-in expectations before applying.
