Flex Houseparenting

Where Every Houseparent Career Begins

Once hired, all houseparent couples at Milton Hershey School begin in the flex role—a full-time position designed to prepare them for long-term placement in a student home.

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A Houseparent's First Role

All married couples hired as houseparents begin in a flex position. This is not a trial period or part-time role—it is a full-time position with a salary, comprehensive benefits, and the same professional expectations as any placed houseparent.

Flex houseparents rotate between student homes, providing coverage when placed houseparents are not on duty. During those assignments, flex houseparents assume full responsibility for the care of the students in that home.

Flex houseparenting is a starting point that allows new houseparents to learn the rhythm of Home Life, gain experience in student homes, and build the foundation for long-term placement. This phase typically lasts between one and three years.

The Three Phases of Houseparenting

All houseparent couples follow a clear progression within the Department of Home Life. Every placed houseparent once began in flex, creating a shared foundation across the Home Life program.

Phase 1: Flex Houseparent

All couples begin here. They rotate between student homes while living in a private, flex apartment when not on duty.

Phase 2: Tri-Flex Houseparent

Couples rotate between three assigned student homes in a predictable pattern, providing greater consistency with specific student groups.

Phase 3: Placed Houseparent

Couples are permanently assigned to one student home and move into the apartment attached to that home.

How Flex Rotation Works

Flex houseparents follow the same structured 9-days-on / 3-days-off schedule as all houseparents. During their nine days on duty, they are assigned to cover student homes and stay overnight in relief apartments attached to those homes. During their three days off, they return to their private flex apartment on campus.

What does “9-days-on / 3-days-off” mean?

All houseparents follow a consistent rotation of nine consecutive days on duty followed by three consecutive days off. Time off begin at 2 p.m. on their final workday and end at 2 p.m. on the fourth day. This structured schedule remains consistent throughout the year, allowing couples to plan ahead.

What happens during the school day?

During the school day (typically 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon.-Fri.), houseparents have unscheduled time, except for meetings or training sessions, which occur on Wednesdays. This time may be used for personal appointments, rest, errands, or family needs.

Where do flex houseparents stay while on duty?

During their nine days on duty, flex houseparents will be assigned to one or more student homes to provide coverage. While covering a home, they assume full responsibility for those students—including meals, routines, transportation, medication administration, and emotional support.

Flex houseparents stay overnight in a private bedroom or apartment attached to the student home. Depending on coverage needs, they may remain in one home for several consecutive days or rotate between homes.

Where do flex houseparents live while off duty?

Flex houseparents live in a private apartment located on or near campus. This apartment serves as their personal home base during days off and personal time. Housing and utilities are included as part of the compensation package.

Houseparents’ three days off allow them to rest, spend time with family, travel, or engage with the Hershey community.

Where Commitment Becomes Calling

From day one, you are entrusted with the care and development of students. Flex houseparenting builds the confidence and experience needed for long-term placement—and lasting impact.

Your journey as a houseparent begins here.

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