Did you know that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) operates a number of residential care facilities? There are centers for women and children, the elderly, children in conflict with law, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In particular, facilities that cater to children and teenagers are managed by what we call “houseparents.” In this article, we will focus on DSWD Houseparents — their qualifications, requirements, roles, and responsibilities to their “children” or wards.
What is a Houseparent?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “houseparent” as “an adult in charge of a dormitory, hall, hostel, or group residence.” Similarly, Dictionary.com states that a houseparent is “one of a married couple responsible for a group of young people… sometimes acting as an advisor, but often serving as host or hostess, chaperone, housekeeper, etc.”
Meanwhile, based on job descriptions from the DSWD, houseparents are persons who “act as surrogate parents to children under their care, promoting development of their physical, social, and emotional well-being.” They are also responsible for implementing home life services to the residents of a center.
Qualifications of a Houseparent
To qualify for a houseparent position with the DSWD, the minimum qualification is “high school graduate” and prior experience is not necessary. However, some centers may look for “preferred qualifications,” depending on the job required.
Let’s take a look at the following example, which shows the preferred qualifications for a DSWD Houseparent I:
- Completed two (2) years of studies in College;
- With National Certificate II (NC II) in Caregiving; and
- One (1) year relevant experience as a Houseparent or Caregiver, with strong interpersonal and communication skills, well-versed in the standards of hygiene and sanitation; skill in non-violent communication is an advantage.
Requirements for the Job
Meanwhile, when applying to be a Houseparent with DSWD, here are some of the general documentary requirements:
- Application Letter stating the position applied for and its date of publication;
- Duly accomplished Personal Data Sheet with passport-sized photo and signature, and Work Experience Sheet;
- Copy of authenticated Civil Service Eligibility/Professional License (if applicable);
- Copy of Transcript of Records (TOR) and/or Diploma;
- Copy of relevant trainings and seminars attended; and
- Copy of performance rating in the last rating period (for government employees) or its equivalent (for external applicants).
Roles and Responsibilities of Houseparents
The roles and responsibilities of Houseparents would depend on the specific facility and job required. As an example, let’s take a look at the job descriptions for two DSWD listings.
Houseparent I for RSCC
Here are the roles and responsibilities of Houseparent I for a Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), based on a DSWD job posting:
- Acts as a surrogate parent to children under his/her care, promoting development of their physical, social, and emotional well-being;
- Ensures proper hygiene and sanitation of wards, maintain upkeep of the center, monitor housekeeping activities, and establish requisition of the wards’ need:
- Provides care to infants and toddlers, perform basic nursing care such as taking temperature, feeding, cuddling, and other activities;
- Observes and records developmental progress of each child and submits monthly development report to the nurse;
- Accompanies sick wards for medical consultation and administers medicines to them as prescribed by the doctor;
- Records daily activities, other accomplishments, and relevant observations that may occur during duty in the charting or log book for turnover to the incoming staff as guide/reference;
- Conducts Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) classes on clients; and
- Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Houseparent II for Home for Girls
Meanwhile, here are the roles and responsibilities of Houseparent II for a Home for Girls, based on another DSWD job posting:
- Implements home life activities for safety, care, and behavioral modification of wards/residents of the center, orients them on house rules and regulations and monitors adherence;
- Provides tutorial sessions and overseas activities for the wards;
- Conducts group sessions/recreational activities;
- Provides guidance on table manners/setting, work and spiritual activities, good grooming, and home management of personal effects;
- Prepares and submits behavioral observation reports;
- Attends staff meetings/conferences and case management conferences;
- Acts as watches in hospitals;
- Follows-up clients in schools and escorts them to their places of origin; and
- Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Video: Houseparent Shares Her Experience
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a houseparent? Check out this video featuring Venice Bordadora, a Houseparent for the Reception and Study Center (RSCC) of DSWD Region VII. This video is shared by “dswdserves” YouTube channel, entitled “Mga Kwentong Pinoy: Tayo at ang DSWD:”
Latest Updates
Just recently, the DSWD, through the DSWD Academy, conducted the first batch of training for houseparents of residential care facilities for children, according to a DSWD press release. The event was held from May 19 to 25 at the UP University Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City.
The capacity-building training aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of houseparents. This way, they are better able to provide effective and compassionate care for their wards.
The training was attended by 38 houseparents from different residential care facilities managed by the DSWD, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations (NGOs). Notably, the event also featured discussions on the latest trends and practices in child care, including the best practices for children in need of special protection.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
If you have any questions or concerns about Houseparents, or if you are interested to apply as a Houseparent, you can get in touch with the DSWD Central Office. Below are its address, contact details, and location map.
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8952-0697 or (02) 8931-8101, local 513
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Being a houseparent is not easy; you need to be prepared for the job — physically, mentally, and emotionally. You may also consider taking up studies on Caregiving or Social Work, so that you can be better trained and equipped for the job.
As mentioned earlier, DSWD houseparents usually serve in centers for children and youth. One of these centers is the Bahay Pag-Asa (House of Hope). Check out this article to learn more about this facility — its target beneficiaries, programs, and services.