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Cottage Parent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

House Parent

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... cottages as needed; and assist with on/off campus activities as scheduled. Must be able to attend ... What comes with being a House Parent at Epworth? Competitive pay Pastoral Care and Onsite Worship ...

House Parent

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... cottages as needed; and assist with on/off campus activities as scheduled. Must be able to attend ... What comes with being a House Parent at Epworth? Competitive pay Pastoral Care and Onsite Worship ...

House Parent

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... cottages as needed; and assist with on/off campus activities as scheduled. Must be able to attend ... What comes with being a House Parent at Epworth? Competitive pay Pastoral Care and Onsite Worship ...

Registered Nurse (NICU)

Santa Barbara, CA ยท On-site

$59.57 - $89.35/hr

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital seeks a Registered Nurse (RN) for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ... parents and family as being an important members of the team. QUALIFICATIONS: All job ...

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Child Care Worker

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... Cottage School Families ยท Perform yearly parent conferences as needed. ยท Maintain MERIT training standards and keep all personnel requirements up to date. (First aid/CPR, food handler's permit ...

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Cottage Parent information

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$12

$19

$25

How much do cottage parent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cottage parent in the United States is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cottage Parent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cottage Parent, you need experience in childcare or social services, a high school diploma or higher, and knowledge of child development and behavior management. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and basic first aid certification is often required. Strong communication, patience, conflict resolution, and nurturing skills are essential soft skills for building trust with children and collaborating with staff. These competencies ensure a safe, supportive, and structured environment that fosters the well-being and growth of children in residential care.

What is the difference between Cottage Parent vs Residential Care Worker?

AspectCottage ParentResidential Care Worker
CredentialsBackground in child development, caregiving experience, sometimes certifications in youth servicesSimilar credentials, often requiring caregiving or social work experience, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResidential cottages or group homes for youth, family-like settingGroup homes, residential facilities, or community-based settings
Employer & IndustryChild welfare agencies, non-profits, residential treatment centersChild and youth services, social services agencies, residential facilities

Both roles involve caring for children in residential settings, but Cottage Parents typically live on-site and provide a family-like environment, while Residential Care Workers focus on supervising and supporting youth in group settings. The roles share similar credentials and work environments, but differ in responsibilities and daily interactions with residents.

What are cottage parents?

Cottage parents are live-in caregivers who provide supervision, guidance, and support to children or adolescents living in a group home or residential facility, often called a 'cottage.' They act as parental figures, helping with daily routines, teaching life skills, and fostering a safe, nurturing environment. Cottage parents often work as part of a team and collaborate with counselors, social workers, and other staff to ensure the well-being and development of the youth in their care.

What are some common challenges Cottage Parents face when managing a group living environment, and how can they address them?

Cottage Parents often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse emotional and behavioral needs of multiple children, maintaining consistent routines, and fostering a sense of community within the cottage. Effective communication, patience, and adaptability are key to addressing these issues. Building strong relationships with the children, collaborating with other staff members, and participating in ongoing training can help Cottage Parents create a supportive and structured environment that promotes positive development.
More about Cottage Parent jobs
What cities are hiring for Cottage Parent jobs? Cities with the most Cottage Parent job openings:
What states have the most Cottage Parent jobs? States with the most job openings for Cottage Parent jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cottage Parent job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,788 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
House Parent

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

For more than 126 years, Epworth Children's Home has grown and adapted to the individual needs of children and families by providing a safe and nurturing environment, evidence-based practices, and programs across the continuum of care and across the state of South Carolina.

Position Summary:

Provide a nurturing group living experience consistent with the C.A.R.E. practice model for children in residential placement, the mission of Epworth, and the respective client's plan of care; rotate among cottages as needed; and assist with on/off campus activities as scheduled.

Must be able to attend required in-person trainings within two months of hire.

What comes with being a House Parent at Epworth?

Competitive pay

Pastoral Care and Onsite Worship Center

Onsite Catering

Onsite gym and recreation centers

Located in the highly sought-after Historic Shandon neighborhood, walking distance from local shops and restaurants

Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans

Company paid life insurance.

Voluntary benefits such as STD, LTD, Group life

403(b) with company match

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program

A unique work schedule of 7 days on living on campus, 7 days off campus, providing 26 weeks off per year.

Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in human service field preferred.

High school diploma or equivalent with significant life experience in working with children and adolescents (i.e. group residential counselor, church/youth experience, camp counselor, etc.)

  • Ability to be outdoors in cold/or heat for recreational purposes with the children.
  • ย 
  • Ability to stand, twist, bend, climb stairs, lift, and stoop in the normal course of care of the children/youth.
  • ย 
  • Must be able to plan and participate in activities and drive a minibus.
  • Has a belief system and engages in faith practices that are compatible with those of the United Methodist Church
  • ย 
  • Must be able to pass standard background checks, including: drug screen, employment physical, SLED, DSS Central Registry and Sex Offenders Registry

Epworth's mission is to serve children, youth, and families through caring, safe, Christian communities, where hurts are healed, hope is nurtured, and faith in God, self, and others is developed.