Homestay Parent (Residential Role)
Cortes Island Academy – Linnaea Farm (www.linnaeafarm.org)
September 2026 to January 2027 (Full Program Term)
Cortes Island Academy is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Homestay Parent to live on-site and support a small group of high school students in a shared home environment. This unique role combines mentorship, household management, and student support, helping youth build independence while ensuring their safety and well-being.
The Homestay Parent will reside in a rustic 8-bedroom farmhouse at Linnaea Farm and plays a central role in creating a structured, welcoming home that balances care, accountability, and community.
About the Role
You will act as a responsible adult presence, guiding students through daily routines, supporting their transition into independent living, and ensuring they meet academic and program expectations. This is a hands-on, relationship-focused role ideal for someone who enjoys working with youth and building a positive home culture.
Key Responsibilities
Student Care & Supervision
- Provide consistent supervision and ensure students’ safety at all times
- Monitor student whereabouts and enforce curfews and house rules
- Uphold program expectations around substance use, relationships, and safety
- Ensure emergency procedures are in place and understood
Household Management
- Maintain a clean, organized, and respectful home environment
- Oversee grocery shopping, food budgeting, and meal planning
- Support shared meal preparation (students take an active role)
- Establish and enforce house expectations (chores, devices, routines)
- Conduct weekly check-ins on rooms and shared spaces
Communication & Coordination
- Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians and Academy staff
- Report concerns related to student well-being, attendance, or behaviour
- Coordinate respite coverage when needed
Student Development & Community Engagement
- Help students integrate into school and community life
- Encourage participation in extracurriculars and social activities
- Foster connection through shared meals and optional activities
Academic & Well-being Support
- Ensure consistent school attendance and engagement
- Encourage study habits and support academic expectations
- Manage medications and respond to health or safety concerns as needed
Note: Students are at school from 845am-3pm or later during the week, during this time, the homestay parent is not expected to be at the residence. Respite (days or weekends off) can be arranged.
Qualifications
- Experience working with youth (especially teenagers)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Patient, adaptable, and able to set clear boundaries
- Comfortable managing a household and supporting group living
- Basic digital communication skills (email, messaging, forms)
- Willingness to complete background checks (criminal record, driver’s abstract)
- Ability to commit for the full program term (September–January.
Compensation and Benefits
- Private room and board at Linnaea Farm
- Monthly stipend (based on experience and responsibilities)
- Potential subsidized tuition for children or grandchildren
This is a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of young people while living in a unique, community-oriented setting on Cortes Island.
We will be accepting applications until this role is filled. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@cortesislandacademy.ca
