House Parent Assistant

Position Description
To assist in leading a small group of children or youth in exploring their Catholic faith through curriculum, small group discussion and service.
Number of Support People Needed Minimum 60

LIFE Contact
Jennifer Hassenstab (Whole LIFE Director)
Cari White (Coordinator of Youth Ministries)

Length/Time Commitment

• 1 year – approx. 20 sessions
• 2 hours beginning of the year training
• 1 hour prep. per session
• 1 hour leading small group per session
• 30 minutes set-up and clean up per session

Primary Responsibilities

• Review curriculum prior to small group sessions and then assist Lead House Parent in leading children through the curriculum.
• Encourage an atmosphere of support, friendliness, and cooperation within small group as well as in the parish as a whole.
• Keep track of attendance.
• Participate with small group in a minimum of 1 CIA (Catholics in Action) service event throughout the year.
• Attend Whole Community events at Advent and Lent.
• Keep up to date on House Parent news via the House Parent Newsletter.

Additional Commitment for Confirmation House Parents

• May include a slightly higher time preparation commitment
• Attendance during 4 large group Confirmation sessions

Requirements

• Love of children and desire to see their faith grow
• Beginning of the year training
• Background Check done through St. Michael’s
• VIRTUS training
• Signed Code of Conduct form
• Confirmed in the Catholic faith

Supplies Provided

• Curriculum and lesson plans
• House Parent Manual with program policies
• Supplies needed to lead lessons
• Fall training with follow-up sessions available
• Weekly emails containing updates and tips for leading small groups
• Support at sessions provided by House Parent Support Team and includes any last minute needs or help with behavior issues