Cookson Hills

Since 1957, Cookson Hills has provided a nurturing home, quality Christian education, and therapy services in a safe and trauma-informed environment. Located in the rural Cookson Hills region of Northeast Oklahoma, we serve kids ages 5–17 who want to write a better story for their lives. We offer a no-cost solution for kids who have faced challenges with family life, school truancy, homelessness, poor peer relationships, or experienced abuse and neglect. Our staff and many volunteers come together to fulfill our vision – to raise up healthy individuals who are empowered to positively impact future generations.

Your Calling as a Houseparent Couple

When a Christian couple chooses to become houseparents at Cookson Hills, they join a mission-driven team devoted to transforming lives. As houseparents, you will live and serve together in a ministry-provided home, caring for a group of children who need structure, guidance, and love.
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This is more than a job—it’s a full-time calling. The ideal couple feels led by God to serve together in a caregiving role, providing not only daily needs like meals and routines, but also emotional and spiritual support.
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You’ll work hand-in-hand with teachers, case managers, and therapists in a deeply collaborative, Christ-centered environment designed to offer each child a path toward healing and maturity.

‍A Flourishing Place to Live and Work

We are committed to providing a thriving work/life culture for our staff. Since 2019, Cookson Hills has been recognized by Best Christian Workplaces for our commitment to healthy, Christ-honoring organizational culture.

• Live and work together as a family – up to four of your children can live in the home and attend our private, ACSI-accredited Christian school.
• Housing, utilities, and Wi-Fi included – enjoy rent-free living with no utility or internet bills, freeing your family to focus on ministry and building life-changing relationships.
• Meals provided – food costs are covered when dining with students, helping reduce your family’s grocery expenses.
• Comprehensive benefits – including health insurance and a retirement plan.
• Time-off and support programs – paid time off, sick leave, sabbatical opportunities, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling, and ongoing trauma-informed training.
• A thriving, supportive community – join a team culture where your entire family is welcomed and becomes an active part of the ministry.
  
  

What You’ll Do

Together, a husband and wife, you will provide 24/7 care for 6–10 placed children (maximum of 10 children in the home including your own). Ages range from 5 to 17. All care is aligned with Cookson Hills’ trauma-informed training and the individual plan of care for each child.

Daily responsibilities include:

• Creating a loving, structured, Christ-centered home environment
• Modeling and reinforcing consistent expectations and consequences
• Leading daily family devotions
• Partnering weekly with your case manager and support team to review progress
• Helping with homework, meal prep, and household management
• Providing guidance in emotional regulation, money management, and spiritual growth
• Handling medications, appointments, and documentation
• Participating in family, school, and community activities

This role is suited for couples who are resilient, nurturing, organized, and passionate about helping children heal and thrive.

Begin Writing a Better Story

If God is calling you and your spouse to serve together in a meaningful, transformative way, we encourage you to apply today. Visit cooksonhills.org/employment!

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Let’s write a better story—together.

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