Employment Opportunities at Our Nonprofit Ranch

Looking for committed, long-term staff, responsible for the direct supervision and safety of clients ages 11-20. (Will train ambitious caring individuals.)

Full-time & Part-Time Weekend Youth Care Specialist position available.

Must be willing to work weekend and holiday shifts. Weekend shifts are paid a differential rate.

Full-time hours - 2:30-10:30 p.m. on weekdays & 8:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on weekends & holidays (will normally work 3 weekday shifts & 1 weekend shift each week)

Part-time hours - 8:00 a.m.-10:30 pm Saturday and Sunday

Starting wages up to $21.00 depending on experience and education. $1.50 per hour pay differential for all weekend shifts.

Extensive benefits package available for full-time staff: 403(b) Annuity Retirement Plan, Health and dental insurance, term life insurance, additional supplemental insurance offered, paid vacation, 10 holidays observed, paid sick leave, employee assistance program, employee recognition program, among other benefits.

Physical activity related to caring for clients including ability to physically restrain clients using approved restraint techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; computer skills including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail software; possess a valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Looking for committed, long-term staff, responsible for the direct supervision and safety of clients ages 11-20. (Will train ambitious caring individuals.)

Full-time & Part-Time Overnight Youth Care Specialist position available.

Must be willing to work weekend and holiday shifts. Weekend shifts are paid a differential rate.

Overnight Youth Care Specialist Hours – 10:15 p.m. – 8:15 a.m. for all scheduled shifts.

Starting wages up to $21.00 depending on experience and education. $1.50 per hour pay differential for all weekend shifts.

Extensive benefits package available for full-time staff: 403(b) Annuity Retirement Plan, Health and dental insurance, term life insurance, additional supplemental insurance offered, paid vacation, 10 holidays observed, paid sick leave, employee assistance program, employee recognition program, among other benefits.

Physical activity related to caring for clients including ability to physically restrain clients using approved restraint techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; computer skills including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail software; possess a valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care  

Location: McCrossan Boys Ranch, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Schedule: Full-time, live-in position with scheduled respite and time away
Starting Salary: $100,000 annually per couple

Position Summary

McCrossan Boys Ranch is seeking a compassionate, committed, and resilient couple to serve as Therapeutic House Parents in our Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care Program. Living in a family-style home on the McCrossan campus, House Parents provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for up to six boys ages 11 to 18 who have experienced trauma and other significant life challenges.

As the primary caregivers and leaders of the home, House Parents play a critical role in helping youth heal, grow, and develop the skills needed for long-term success. Through daily interactions, mentorship, accountability, and positive role modeling, they create a therapeutic family environment that fosters trust, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, personal responsibility, and resilience.

This role extends far beyond supervision. House Parents are responsible for establishing the culture, structure, and expectations of the home while supporting each youth's therapeutic, educational, behavioral, and developmental goals. They serve as consistent sources of support, guidance, and stability during some of the most formative years in a young person's life.

Because of the level of responsibility, engagement, and availability required, this position is intended to be the couple's primary professional commitment. Any outside employment, including remote or work-from-home positions, must be approved in advance and must not interfere with the responsibilities of the role or the needs of the youth in their care.

This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping young people overcome adversity, build healthy relationships, and create a foundation for a successful future.

The Home

The Therapeutic House Parents will live in a McCrossan-owned home located on the Ranch’s campus in Sioux Falls. The home is designed to provide a welcoming, family-centered atmosphere while allowing residents convenient access to McCrossan’s accredited school and a public education system nearby, clinical services, medical support, equine activities, recreation opportunities, and other campus resources.

The Ranch provides the home, utilities, household furnishings, a monthly operating budget, and a vehicle for program-related transportation. Scheduled respite staff will provide regular relief so the House Parent couple can take planned time away from the home.

Compensation, Benefits, and Support

McCrossan Boys Ranch offers:

• Starting salary of $100,000 annually per couple
• Rent-free housing in a McCrossan-owned home
• Paid utilities and an established monthly household budget
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-sponsored      retirement plan
• Paid vacation (two weeks annually)
• Regularly scheduled respite support (every other weekend off)
• Company vehicle for program-related transportation
• Relocation assistance for eligible couples moving more than 500 miles
• Initial and ongoing professional training
• Access to support from McCrossan’s professional team

Beyond traditional benefits, this position offers the opportunity to create meaningful experiences with young people through family meals, sporting events, holidays, graduations, community service, recreation, and the everyday routines that help make a house feel like a home.

Primary Responsibilities

Create a Safe and Supportive Home

• Live in the on-campus home and share responsibility for the daily care and      supervision of up to six boys ages 11–18.
• Establish a welcoming, respectful, and predictable household environment.
• Build trusting relationships with youth through patience, empathy, encouragement, and appropriate affection.
• Maintain consistent routines, expectations, and boundaries that promote safety and stability.
• Help each young person feel valued, included, and connected to the household.

Support Growth and Development

• Teach and model healthy communication, problem-solving, coping, relationships, and independent-living skills.
• Recognize and reinforce positive choices, personal strengths, and progress.
• Help youth work through behavioral concerns, interpersonal conflicts, and difficult emotions using approved therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches.
• Respond calmly and effectively during crises or challenging situations.
• Support individualized treatment, educational, behavioral, and permanency goals.
• Encourage responsibility, accountability, resilience, and respect for others.

Manage Daily Family Life

• Plan and participate in meals, household routines, recreation, celebrations, educational activities, and community outings.
• Coordinate youth schedules, appointments, school activities, family contact, and transportation.
• Encourage participation in school, athletics, recreation, equine activities,      employment preparation, and other developmentally appropriate      opportunities.
• Teach youth age-appropriate household responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, organization, and personal care.
• Oversee the home’s household budget, supplies, maintenance needs, and daily operating schedule.
• Maintain the home and grounds in a safe, clean, and welcoming condition.

Work as Part of the McCrossan Team

• Collaborate with therapists, teachers, medical staff, behavioral support staff,      caseworkers, and other members of each youth team.
• Maintain appropriate communication with parents, guardians, caregivers, placing agencies, schools, and community providers.
• Participate in team meetings, treatment planning, case reviews, and other required meetings.
• Share relevant observations about each youth’s strengths, needs, behaviors, relationships, and progress.
• Help support healthy family connections and permanency planning when appropriate.
• Coordinate with and provide direction to respite staff working in the home.

Maintain Records and Program Requirements

• Complete accurate and timely documentation regarding youth progress, significant events, incidents, medications, appointments, and other required information.
• Maintain household purchasing and budget records.
• Follow all McCrossan policies, licensing requirements, confidentiality standards, and documentation procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information related to youth and families.

Safety and Professional Conduct

Therapeutic House Parents are expected to:

• Maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries with youth and families.
• Follow all policies related to supervision, transportation, medication administration, crisis response, and high-risk activities.
• Complete required safety, therapeutic, and professional development training.
• Promptly report safety concerns, suspected policy violations, and inappropriate      behavior.
• Follow all mandatory reporting requirements regarding suspected abuse or neglect.
• Use only McCrossan-approved behavioral support and crisis-intervention practices.
• Serve as positive representatives of McCrossan Boys Ranch in the home and community.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with McCrossan’s mission, values, and commitment to providing New Hope for a Better Life.

Required Qualifications

Each member of the House Parent couple must:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Both complete an individual application. 
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Hold a  valid driver’s license and meet McCrossan’s motor vehicle record      requirements.
• Successfully complete required criminal background checks, reference checks, physical and all other licensing screenings.
• Be able to meet applicable South Dakota foster care and child-placement      licensing requirements.
• Be willing and able to live and work together in the McCrossan home.
• Demonstrate the emotional maturity, sound judgment, patience, and dependability necessary to care for youth with complex needs.
• Be available for a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and unexpected situations.
• Complete required training, including CPR, First Aid, medication administration, The Mandt System, trauma-informed care, and other McCrossan training.
• Be able to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with youth,      coworkers, families, and outside professionals.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to couples who have:

• College coursework or a degree in social work, psychology, education, counseling, criminal justice, human services, or a related field.
• Experience parenting, fostering, mentoring, teaching, coaching, counseling, or working with adolescents.
• Experience supporting youth who have experienced trauma, behavioral challenges, disrupted placements, or significant family difficulties.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, child development, positive behavioral support, or therapeutic foster care.
• Experience managing a household, coordinating schedules, maintaining records, or working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Physical and Emotional Requirements

This position requires the physical and emotional ability to provide safe care and supervision in a busy household environment. Each House Parent must be able to:

• Maintain awareness, sound judgment, and emotional self-control during stressful or rapidly changing situations.
• Visually and audibly monitor youth throughout the home and during activities.
• Communicate clearly with youth, coworkers, families, and emergency personnel.
• Walk, stand, sit, bend, squat, reach overhead, and climb stairs.
• Participate in household chores, meal preparation, recreational activities, and basic outdoor upkeep.
• Lift  up to 50 pounds, safely carry up to 30 pounds, and push or pull up to 80      pounds when necessary.
• Safely operate a vehicle and transport youth during varying weather conditions and times of day.
• Respond appropriately to verbal aggression, behavioral escalation, emergencies, and the potential for physical threats.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law and the essential responsibilities of the position.

Other Duties

This job description identifies the primary responsibilities of the position but is not intended to include every possible duty. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the youth, the home, and McCrossan Boys Ranch.

About McCrossan Boys Ranch

Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, McCrossan Boys Ranch provides New Hope for a Better Life to young people and families. Since 1955, McCrossan has helped boys develop the skills, relationships, confidence, and resilience needed to build successful futures.

Our comprehensive therapeutic campus includes residential services, an accredited middle and high school, clinical and behavioral-health services, medical support, recreation, athletics, equine experiences, workforce development, spiritual care, and independent-living opportunities.

Our vision is:

Preparing today for the needs of tomorrow’s youth and families—because every child deserves hope.

McCrossan Boys Ranch is an equal opportunity employer.

Therapeutic House Parents receive two scheduled relief weekends per month in addition to paid vacation. During scheduled relief and approved vacation, McCrossan Boys Ranch will provide qualified coverage for the Therapeutic Foster Home. Scheduled relief weekends are part of the regular work arrangement and are not deducted from accrued vacation time.