House Parents

Job Scope

House Parents and Welfare Officers assist Social Workers and Counsellors in rehabilitation, care and counselling.

They organise and facilitate meaningful activities for the residents and carry out basic health care procedures based on residents’ needs. They handle incidents and complaints from clients, manage conflict and provide mediation.

Other duties include maintenance of a clean, safe and comfortable environment for the residents and performing escort and errand services as and when necessary.

House Parents work in Children’s Homes while Welfare Officers are employed in Homes for the Aged, Day Care Centres for the Elderly, Nursing Homes and Welfare Homes.

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Personal Qualities

Good interpersonal skills are essential as is an ability to work well in a team.

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Minimum Requirements

Upon being employed in a voluntary welfare organisation (VWO), House Parents and Welfare Officers are encouraged to take the following training:

• Certificate in Rehabilitation and Residential Care – House Parents
• Certificate in Human Services – Welfare Officers

The Certificate in Rehabilitation and Residential Care is available at the Social Service Training Institute (SSTI), an academy of the National Council of Social Service, while the Certificate in Human Services is available at Nanyang Polytechnic. Students are eligible for subsidies through the Training for Employment in the Social Services (TESS) scheme, obtainable through SSTI.

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Salary Range

Salaries for House Parents and Welfare Officers start from $850 -$1,000 based on qualifications and experience.

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Professional Development Opportunities

Training courses for professional advancement are available locally.

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Training Pathway

	House Parents (Children’s Homes)
	Certificate in Rehabilitation and Residential Care Through Social Service Training Institute (SSTI)
	Employed in VWOs Minimum PSLE

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